The Financial Services Academy is a first-of-its-kind banking apprenticeship program for Indiana high school students.
It is our passion and mission to open doors and clear the path for Hoosier youth to enter high-value, high-paying career tracks. With a focus on Return on Investment, we provide real-world, hands-on experience to build the next generation of the Indiana banking workforce.
Too many Indiana students are falling through the gaps by either attending but not completing college, or not attending college or a trade school at all. As the first program to launch under the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway, we are leading the way toward INCAP’s goal to stand up 50,000 apprenticeships across all sectors in Indiana by 2035.
In partnership with
The FSA, with guidance from our banking and education partners, is developing a statewide banking curriculum and training plan that will provide consistent training for all banking apprentices while remaining flexible enough for our partner banks to highlight their own organizational structure, culture, and priorities.
Over a two-year period, students will progress through a series of modules designed around four core banking competencies, ensuring exposure to all major departments within the bank. The focus is on Retail Banking, where apprentices will develop strong customer service and professional skills. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience and insight into all core banking functions to reinforce the essential competencies that drive success in the industry.
President and CEO
Financial Services Academy
317-939-1055
[email protected]
Serving as president and CEO of the Financial Services Academy, Chris Fisher is charged with leading and developing an innovative, first-of-its-kind in the state of Indiana, banking apprenticeship program for high school students with the goal of workforce development and employment in the banking industry. In this statewide program, Chris collaborates with leaders in banking, government, K-12, higher education, workforce development and other financial services organizations to create a robust apprenticeship program that will serve Indiana students and financial institutions as the premier financial services apprenticeship program in the country.
Over the past 20 years, Chris has directed education and training programs in multiple states serving both rural and urban communities. Throughout his career working in community colleges and universities, he has led college-in-high school (dual credit/dual enrollment), apprenticeship and workforce development programs, some serving over 10,000 students annually. Prior to joining the IBA, Chris worked for Ball State University and Ivy Tech Community College where he developed relationships throughout Indiana.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and a Master of Education from Arizona State University.
Chris has a passion for helping students reach their career goals and developing programs which provide students with a pathway to college or employment. He has served on a variety of boards and committees focused on employability and was the founding member of a program which encouraged youth to return to rural communities after college graduation.
Serving as president and CEO of the Financial Services Academy, Chris Fisher is charged with leading and developing an innovative, first-of-its-kind in the state of Indiana, banking apprenticeship program for high school students with the goal of workforce development and employment in the banking industry. In this statewide program, Chris collaborates with leaders in banking, government, K-12, higher education, workforce development and other financial services organizations to create a robust apprenticeship program that will serve Indiana students and financial institutions as the premier financial services apprenticeship program in the country.
Over the past 20 years, Chris has directed education and training programs in multiple states serving both rural and urban communities. Throughout his career working in community colleges and universities, he has led college-in-high school (dual credit/dual enrollment), apprenticeship and workforce development programs, some serving over 10,000 students annually. Prior to joining the IBA, Chris worked for Ball State University and Ivy Tech Community College where he developed relationships throughout Indiana.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and a Master of Education from Arizona State University.
Chris has a passion for helping students reach their career goals and developing programs which provide students with a pathway to college or employment. He has served on a variety of boards and committees focused on employability and was the founding member of a program which encouraged youth to return to rural communities after college graduation.
Sara Holmes, M.Ed.
Sara Holmes, M.Ed., leads the development of the banking apprenticeship pathway, developing curriculum, courses and certifications for the Financial Services Academy. She joined the Academy in May 2025 after 10 years in K-12 public education plus two years in adult education. She earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in educational leadership, both from Indiana University.
Holmes volunteers with the parent-teachers organization at her children's schools. She was recognized with the Governor's Public Service Achievement Award for developing and leading a program with measurable, positive impact on state agencies.
Sara Holmes, M.Ed., leads the development of the banking apprenticeship pathway, developing curriculum, courses and certifications for the Financial Services Academy. She joined the Academy in May 2025 after 10 years in K-12 public education plus two years in adult education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in educational leadership, both from Indiana University.
Holmes volunteers with the parent-teachers organization at her children’s schools. She was recognized with the Governor’s Public Service Achievement Award for developing and leading a program with measurable, positive impact on state agencies.