CIESC
CIESC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational service center in Indianapolis serving 35 Indiana public school districts and 230,000+ students with cooperative purchasing, online courses, professional development, AI-powered student data tools, and grant administration.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersIndianapolis, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What CIESC does
CIESC (Central Indiana Educational Service Center) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational service organization founded on May 2, 1990, and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The organization serves 35 member public school districts representing more than 230,000 students (approximately one in every five public school students in Indiana), and operates a portfolio of interconnected programs spanning cooperative purchasing, online education, professional development, driver education, media production, grant administration, and administrative coaching. CIESC was authorized by Indiana legislative action in 1976 and is regulated through a formal partnership with the Indiana Department of Education, which positions the organization as a quasi-public intermediary for K-12 procurement, compliance, and instructional services across the state.
The core technology stack includes Indiana Online, the largest non-profit online course provider in Indiana and the first program nationally accredited by AccredVED in May 2024; Keep Indiana Learning, a professional development platform serving 55,424 unique visitors annually; EntryPoint SRM, an AI-powered student data platform integrating with PowerSchool to automate administrative workflows and identify at-risk students; and a Cooperative Programs procurement platform that has processed more than $1 billion in cumulative bus sales and $94 million in purchases during the 21-22 school year alone. CIESC also operates DriverEd Safety (serving approximately 4,500 students per year with 50 vehicles), Media Services (video production and compliance training), Administrative Supports (executive coaching, 900+ hours delivered to 24 districts), and a Major Projects & Grants department established in 2024.
Revenue is generated through a hybrid of membership fees from school districts, fee-for-service arrangements with non-members (public, private, and charter schools), administrative fees on cooperative purchasing and grant management (including the nearly $4.9M GEER Fund, nearly $4M IDOE 3E Grant, and $2.6M Accelerated Learning Grant), vendor partnerships with 50+ statewide providers, and original state appropriations. The organization is governed by a board of district representatives and led by Executive Director Dr. Andrew Melin (appointed December 2019), a former IDOE Chief Innovation Officer and three-district superintendent. CIESC has approximately 100 full-time staff across all departments, with no parent company, no equity investors, and no public revenue disclosure.
CIESC firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CIESC
- Legal name
- Central Indiana Educational Service Center
- Website
- https://ciesc.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- CIESC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational service center in Indianapolis serving 35 Indiana public school districts and 230,000+ students with cooperative purchasing, online courses, professional development, AI-powered student data tools, and grant administration.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CIESC industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Educational Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Online/Distance Education Quality & Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAK)
Keywords
Where CIESC is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indianapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
CIESC business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: Public school districts pay membership fees to access CIESC services. Original membership fee was $2.50/student (ADM rate). Currently serves 35 member districts with highest membership in history.
- Fee for Service Programs: CIESC has introduced fee for service opportunities that benefit public, private, and charter schools beyond the member district base. Services are provided at-cost or with fees for non-members.
- Cooperative Purchasing: Competitive procurement contracts providing savings to member districts. Revenue generated through vendor partnerships and administrative fees. Reached $1 billion in bus sales. Cooperative Programs provides over $94 million in purchases representing 804 buses.
- State Funding: Original state allocation was $198,500 in 1990. Indiana Education Service Centers authorized in 1976 by legislative action. Ongoing state funding supports joint services for Indiana K-12 schools.
- Grant Administration: CIESC administers state-level grants including GEER Fund ($4.8 million), IDOE 3E Grant (nearly $4 million), Accelerated Learning Grant ($2.6 million), and other IDOE-supported initiatives. Partners with CELL at University of Indianapolis for fiscal management.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Membership-based access to services |
| Subscription | Annual | EntryPoint SRM member discount |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Fee for Service programs |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels9 records
CIESC product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CIESC (Central Indiana Educational Service Center) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that operates a membership-based service platform for PK-12 public school districts in Indiana, delivering cooperative purchasing programs, online K-12 courses through Indiana Online, professional development via Keep Indiana Learning, driver education, media and compliance training, administrative coaching, technology services, and grant administration. The organization combines digital platforms with on-site professional services and bulk-procurement contracts to deliver cost savings, academic options, and operational support to its member districts and their students.
Product overview
CIESC (Central Indiana Educational Service Center) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational service organization that provides a comprehensive portfolio of interconnected programs and services to PK-12 schools across Indiana. The organization operates as a platform-plus-services model, combining technology-enabled platforms (Indiana Online, Keep Indiana Learning, EntryPoint SRM) with professional service offerings (Administrative Supports, Strategic Planning, Media Services, Cooperative Programs). Indiana Online provides online education courses while Keep Indiana Learning delivers professional development; EntryPoint SRM is an AI-powered administrative workflow tool. Additional services span Driver Education, technology & innovation, 21st Century programs, and major projects & grants management. The organization serves 35+ member school districts representing over 230,000 students through cooperative purchasing contracts and direct service delivery.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Indiana Online: The largest non-profit online course provider in Indiana, offering full-time, year-round, and summer courses online.
- Keep Indiana Learning
- DriverEd Safety
- Cooperative Programs
- Media Services
- Digitarium
Products and services
- Indiana Online The largest non-profit online course provider in Indiana, offering full-time, year-round, supplemental, and summer online courses for PK-12 students with licensed Indiana teachers. Includes FlexED and English Learner support programs; serves 278 schools with 165 courses.
- Keep Indiana Learning Web-based professional development and digital learning platform providing Indiana educators with on-demand events, resources, expert networks, and communities of practice (Counselor Connect, STEM Synergy). Includes the INLearning Partnership with IDOE and Indiana Learning Lab.
Quantifiable outcome
- Member districts saved nearly $700,000 in first year (1991) of operations
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use CIESC
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
CIESC technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability3 records
Feature4 records
CIESC partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
24 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Northern Indiana Educational Service Center (NIESC)flagshipCo-leading the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) Indiana Alliance with CIESC. Partnership addresses growing complexity of student data privacy in PK-12 system through centralized vendor database and standardized Data Privacy Agreement (DPA). All nine Indiana ESCs participate.
- All Nine Indiana Educational Service CentersflagshipStatewide consortium providing member schools with free access to Student Data Privacy Consortium resources. Jointly developing standardized Data Privacy Agreement aligned with CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program. Provides discounted rates for non-members.
- EntryPoint SRMcoreAI-powered student data platform integrated with existing student information systems (PowerSchool). Streamlines administrative workflows, provides instant data access, automates tasks. Members receive 10%+ discount.
- MetrasenscorePartnership allows CIESC member schools and 270 other ESC member districts to purchase Metrasens Ultra weapons detection systems through CIESC Cooperative Contracts. Metrasens provides cutting-edge technology for weapons and vape detection in educational settings using magnetic detection technology.
- Ford Next Generation LearningflagshipPhilanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company Fund providing nationally-recognized expertise for 3E Grant transformational college and career readiness program. Works with seven Indiana districts over two years to develop portrait of graduate and career pathway master plans aligned with talent needs.
- Modern Classrooms ProjectcoreNonprofit organization providing instructional training focused on blended learning, self-paced structure, and mastery-based grading. CIESC partnering with multiple ESCs to train 1,500 Indiana teachers through Accelerated Learning Grant.
- Dr. Kimberly FifercoreProject lead for 3E Grant, former assistant superintendent at Clark-Pleasant with significant experience from Greater Clark County Schools. Leading transformational college and career readiness process with seven districts.
- Morgan MasoncoreCIESC Training Support Specialist providing direct coaching support in literacy and STEM to nine elementary schools in MSD of Warren Township as part of Indiana Literacy Cadre and Indiana STEM Cadre.
- STOPit SolutionscoreComprehensive safety and wellness solutions partnership delivering Anonymous Reporting Solution (ARS), Enhanced Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and Safety & Wellness Training Curriculum. Reaches over 80,000 students across Indiana with 24/7 safety, mental health, and crisis support capabilities.
- Region 8 Educational Service CentercorePartnership for Accelerated Learning Grant with Northern Indiana ESC and Northwest Indiana ESC. Collaborating to train 1,500 Indiana teachers in Modern Classrooms Project instructional approach.
- Northwest Indiana Educational Service Center (NWIESC)corePartnership for Accelerated Learning Grant with Region 8 and Northern Indiana ESC. Collaborating to train 1,500 Indiana teachers in Modern Classrooms Project instructional approach.
- Indiana School Counselor AssociationcorePartnership supporting Counselor Connect community of practice for student service professionals. Collaborates on professional development and networking opportunities.
- Indiana School Social Work AssociationcorePartnership supporting Counselor Connect community of practice. Collaborates on professional development and networking opportunities for student service professionals.
- Indiana Department of Education (IDOE)flagshipINLearning Partnership to provide comprehensive professional learning resources for Indiana educators. IDOE, Indiana Learning Lab, and Keep Indiana Learning collaborate on curated resources supporting IDOE goals and student learning outcomes.
- Indiana Learning LabcorePersonalized microlearning platform powered by Five Star Technology Solutions, funded by IDOE. Provides free resources including live chat, community, lesson ideas, and workshops supporting teachers and administrators across Indiana.
- Five Star Technology SolutionscoreDeveloper and operator of Indiana Learning Lab platform providing personalized microlearning, live chat support, weekly workshops, and community forums for Indiana educators.
- Indiana Virtual AcademycoreMerged with Indiana Online in July 2021, making Indiana Online the largest non-profit provider of online services in the state. Expanded full-time virtual options for grades 5-12.
- Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at University of IndianapolisflagshipAwarded nearly $4.9 million GEER Fund grant together to support device availability, internet connectivity, and educator development across 30 Hoosier school districts. CELL provides fiscal management and technology support. Ongoing partnership for multiple grant programs.
- Koru Strategy GroupcoreConsulting group incubated by Harvard Innovation Labs, founded by Harvard Graduate School of Education alumni. Assisted in developing Counselor Connect content including nationally-recognized school counselor Danielle Duarte.
- XellocoreAll-in-one college and career readiness platform helping students discover themselves and build pathways to successful futures. Elevates CCR programming through centralizing course planning, college applications, work-based learning coordination, and compliance reporting.
- Workforce ChaplainsminorFriendship model of compassionate care through diverse team of chaplains serving people of all beliefs. Supports whole person care, strengthens workplace culture, improves retention, and connects individuals to community resources.
- Workforce Care PartnersminorCare partner approach leading with goal of building care relationships. Serves diverse workforces with professionalism, compassion, and cultural awareness. Optional spiritual support available.
- ClassLinkcoreTechnology integration partner providing single sign-on and directory services. Member discounts available through CIESC partnership.
- ART GURU SketchbooksminorCustomized sketchbook provider for art classrooms. Quality 70 lb vellum books with customizable sizes, rubrics, and formats. Cost-effective and counts as textbook without hitting consumable budget.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
CIESC competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Northern Indiana Educational Service Center (NIESC): One of the nine Indiana Educational Service Centers; fellow ESC organization providing cooperative purchasing, professional development, and grant support to member districts. Co-leads the SDPC Indiana Alliance with CIESC, making it the most directly comparable peer by mandate, geography, and service mix.
- Region 8 Educational Service Center: A peer Indiana ESC that partners with CIESC on the Accelerated Learning Grant and serves Indiana K-12 districts with broadly similar cooperative purchasing, professional development, and grants administration services.
- Northwest Indiana Educational Service Center (NWIESC): Another Indiana ESC collaborator on the Accelerated Learning Grant; provides the same cooperative purchasing, PD, and support services to its member districts, making it a directly comparable peer in scale and scope.
Broad incumbents
- Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ): New Jersey's largest Educational Services Commission, offering cooperative purchasing, professional development, special education, and transportation services to member districts. Same ESC/cooperative model as CIESC but at much larger scale and outside Indiana — comparable mission and service architecture.
- Battelle for Kids: Non-profit that partners with school systems on leadership development, portrait of a graduate, and strategic planning services — directly comparable to CIESC's Administrative Supports, Strategic Planning, and 3E Grant work.
- Imagine Learning (formerly Edgenuity): National provider of online K-12 courses, supplemental instruction, and AI-driven learning tools. Direct competitor to Indiana Online in the PK-12 online course market, with much larger catalog and scale.
- PowerSchool: The dominant student information system (SIS) vendor in K-12. EntryPoint SRM is explicitly built to integrate with PowerSchool, making PowerSchool both a critical infrastructure partner and the principal competitive anchor for SIS-adjacent analytics tools CIESC now sells.
- Curriculum Associates (iReady): Large K-12 instructional and assessment company serving many of the same Indiana districts CIESC serves. Comparable in being a private/non-profit alike provider of tools for educators, though for-profit and far larger in revenue and product scope.
Emerging players
- SchoolStatus: K-12 communication, attendance, and data analytics platform that helps administrators streamline workflows similar to EntryPoint SRM. Closest direct product competitor to EntryPoint in the AI-for-school-admins category.
Others
- EdSurge / EdTech Evidence Exchange: EdTech ecosystem media and research organization that informs district purchasing decisions. Adjacent rather than directly competitive — relevant because CIESC's product positioning (EntryPoint, SDPC) plays in the same conversation as EdSurge's coverage.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CIESC social profiles
Digital presenceCIESC financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CIESC leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
CIESC funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CIESC M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CIESC
What does CIESC do?
CIESC (Central Indiana Educational Service Center) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that operates a membership-based service platform for PK-12 public school districts in Indiana, delivering cooperative purchasing programs, online K-12 courses through Indiana Online, professional development via Keep Indiana Learning, driver education, media and compliance training, administrative coaching, technology services, and grant administration. The organization combines digital platforms with on-site professional services and bulk-procurement contracts to deliver cost savings, academic options, and operational support to its member districts and their students.
Is CIESC a public or private company?
CIESC is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was CIESC founded?
CIESC was founded in 1990. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is CIESC based?
CIESC is headquartered in Indianapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does CIESC make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are fee for Service Programs, cooperative Purchasing, state Funding and grant Administration.
Who are CIESC's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Northern Indiana Educational Service Center (NIESC), Region 8 Educational Service Center and Northwest Indiana Educational Service Center (NWIESC). Broad incumbents are Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ), Battelle for Kids, Imagine Learning (formerly Edgenuity), PowerSchool and Curriculum Associates (iReady). SchoolStatus is listed as an emerging player. EdSurge / EdTech Evidence Exchange is listed as an others.
Does CIESC have an API?
No public API is recorded for CIESC.
What industry is CIESC in?
CIESC's product category is Educational Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDADACAF, Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies, with a secondary code of EDADACAK, Online/Distance Education Quality & Accreditation Bodies. Its NAICS code is 611710 and its SIC code is 8200.