Alive Community Outreach, a recipient of Rising Together grant funding under the Lifelong Learning pillar, is making powerful strides in youth leadership development through its Peacemaker Academy.
On June 27, 2025, 60 Fort Wayne Community Schools students gathered to celebrate their graduation from this transformative summer program. The Peacemaker Academy—a three-week intensive for FWCS sophomores, juniors, and seniors—trains students to become nonviolent leaders committed to fostering peace in their schools and neighborhoods.
Each of the five participating high schools was represented by 12 students. During the graduation ceremony, students shared what they learned about the six principles of nonviolence through powerful student-led presentations and skits. They also outlined their plans to carry this work forward by leading peace-focused initiatives in the upcoming school year—from morning announcements to campus peace projects.
The impact of the Peacemaker Academy doesn’t end with summer. Mentors and program leaders continue to meet with students throughout the year, reinforcing the skills and values introduced during the academy and building a community of support for ongoing action.
“Watching these students speak with such clarity and purpose about nonviolence was incredibly moving,” said Stephanie Carlson, Senior Impact Advisor at the Community Foundation. “The confidence, thoughtfulness, and leadership they demonstrated gives me real hope for the future of our community.”
With support from Alive Community Outreach’s team and funding from the Rising Together grant program, these young leaders are shaping a more compassionate, connected Fort Wayne—one act of peace at a time.