The Persist Foundation

Keep going.
Until you succeed.

We empower young people in Indiana and across the nation through scholarships, structured mentorship and civic leadership development.

Support Our Mission Apply for a Scholarship

Until I Succeed!

Who We Are

Building the next generation of scholars and leaders.

The Persist Foundation is an Indianapolis-based scholarship and mentorship nonprofit. We believe that when young people are equipped with financial support, guided relationships and opportunities to lead, they become agents of positive change in their communities.

Our motto, “Until I Succeed!”, is the promise at the heart of everything we do. Rooted in Indianapolis and connected to a broader national network, we are committed to raising up scholars, leaders and civically engaged citizens who carry these values forward.

Our Mission

To empower young people in Indiana and across the nation by expanding access to scholarships, structured mentorship, and civic leadership development.

Meet Our Founder

Donald Val

Founder, The Persist Foundation

Donald Val founded The Persist Foundation in 2026 on a simple conviction: when young people are equipped with financial support, guided relationships and opportunities to lead, they become agents of positive change in their communities.

Through the Foundation, Donald is building scholarships that ease the burden of college costs, a structured mentorship program that pairs young people with committed adult role models, and pathways into civic leadership — all rooted in Indianapolis and guided by one motto.

“Until I Succeed!”

What We Do

Programs that build resilience

Scholarships

We reduce financial barriers to higher education so students can pursue their academic and professional goals without the burden of overwhelming debt.

Apply for a scholarship →

Structured Mentorship

We pair young people with committed adult role models who guide them in respect, financial literacy, emotional intelligence and purpose — through adolescence and into early adulthood.

Civic Leadership

From volunteer service to leadership training, we create pathways for young people to engage with their communities — so they become contributors to the public good.

Gallery

Community highlights

Scholarships, debate and community moments — young people showing what persistence looks like.

Public Speaking Workshop & Mentoring

“Find Your Voice: I Will Persist Until I Succeed” · A Persist Foundation workshop with the Indy East Promise Neighborhood Youth Advisory Board, plus mentoring in the community.

Donald Val raises a student’s arm in celebration during the Find Your Voice workshop as other students cheer — Celebrating a breakthrough at the “Find Your Voice” workshop

Donald Val coaches two students in front of a screen reading Find Your Voice: I will persist until I succeed, with Mr. Val, Persist Foundation — Donald Val leading the “Find Your Voice” public speaking workshop

Donald Val listens as two young men talk during a community art exhibition — Mentoring conversations at a community art exhibition

Scholarship presentation

May 15, 2026 · A $1,000 scholarship presented to a KIPP Indy Class of 2026 graduate.

A graduate laughs while holding a large $1,000 scholarship check beside the presenter — Celebrating a $1,000 scholarship

The presenter speaks into a microphone in a school gym while the graduate holds the scholarship check — Announcing the scholarship in the gym

The presenter raises the large check as students and family cheer and take photos — Students and family cheer the announcement

The presenter speaks into a microphone as the graduate looks at the check — The big reveal

The graduate and presenter smile together with the scholarship check — A proud moment

The graduate and presenter hold the scholarship check in front of a blue curtain — Presenting the $1,000 check

The graduate and presenter pose with the check under a KIPP Indy sign and a signed seniors banner — Celebrating at KIPP Indy

The graduate and presenter shake hands in front of a Class of 2026 seniors banner — A congratulatory handshake

The graduate and presenter share a hug in front of the seniors banner — Until I succeed!

Inaugural Black History Month Debate Showcase

February 2026 · Students took the stage to debate, speak and celebrate.

Students and a speaker stand at the front of the room during the debate showcase — Students on stage at the Debate Showcase

Students in suits pose with a trophy while a classmate takes their photo — The debate team after the Inaugural Black History Month Debate Showcase

A speaker addresses the audience from the podium beneath a wall of college pennants — Addressing the audience

Two students hold framed certificates as others applaud on stage — Honoring participants with certificates

A student in a suit speaks at the podium in front of college pennants — A student takes the podium

Debate team & community

Moments from competitions, civic visits and community events.

Debate team members pose in a classroom with first-place ribbons in front of a chalkboard reading KIPP Legacy Debate 1st — KIPP Legacy Debate celebrating a first-place finish

Students and adults smile around the podium in the Indianapolis City-County Council chambers — The KIPP Indy Legacy debate team at the Indianapolis City-County Council chambers

Two students stand at a table with laptops, listening during a debate round — Students mid-round at a debate competition

A student in a black T-shirt laughs in front of a red, black and green flag — Joy at a community celebration

What We Stand For

Our core values

01
Persistence
Setbacks are part of the journey, not the end of it. We keep going until we succeed.
02
Respect
For others, for ourselves, and for the people and places that shaped us.
03
Purpose
Guided relationships help young people find direction and the confidence to pursue it.
04
Patriotism & Community Pride
Respect for our nation's ideals and devotion to strengthening the communities we call home.

“When young people are equipped with financial support, guided relationships, and opportunities to lead, they become agents of positive change in their communities.”
— The Persist Foundation Mission

Get Involved

There's a place for you here

Become a Mentor

Be a committed adult role model and help a young person find direction and confidence.

Apply to mentor →

Volunteer

Give your time at events, leadership trainings and community service projects.

Become a Member

Join the Foundation as a member and stay connected to our work and community.

Ask about membership →

Partner With Us

Organizations can sponsor scholarships and collaborate on leadership and mentorship programs.

Start a partnership →

Donate

Fuel someone's persistence

Your gift funds scholarships, mentorship and leadership opportunities for young people who are determined to succeed. Every contribution — big or small — keeps someone moving forward.

Donations are processed securely by PayPal. You can give with a PayPal account or a debit or credit card, and choose to make your gift monthly.

Contact

Let's talk

Questions about scholarships, mentorship or partnerships? Ready to get involved? Send us a message and our team will get back to you.

Email thepersistfoundation@gmail.com
Based in Indianapolis, Indiana

Keep going.Until you succeed.