The landscape of education in Indiana is evolving, presenting new opportunities for families to actively engage in their children’s academic journey. The Indiana Learns program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide crucial support to students and families who need it most. This innovative program offers eligible Indiana families access to significant financial resources specifically earmarked for high-dosage tutoring in math and reading, along with approved out-of-school academic enrichment programs.
Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education, emphasizes the core philosophy behind Indiana Learns: “We know that student learning really takes off when we have our schools and families working together.” Recognizing that financial constraints can often hinder access to supplemental educational support, Indiana Learns bridges this gap. By providing up to $1,000 per eligible student, the program empowers families to seek the personalized tutoring services their children need to thrive academically. The focus on math and reading is deliberate, targeting foundational skills critical for future academic success across all disciplines. Dr. Jenner encourages eligible families to leverage this valuable resource, highlighting its potential to significantly enhance children’s learning experiences.
Launched in August, Indiana Learns directly addresses the learning disruptions experienced by many fourth and fifth-grade students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program aims to facilitate academic recovery by expanding access to effective out-of-school learning opportunities. The Mind Trust, a reputable education nonprofit, is entrusted with the operational management of Indiana Learns, working in close collaboration with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). This partnership ensures the program’s efficient and effective implementation across the state.
Discovering the Indiana Learns Family Platform
For families eager to explore the benefits of Indiana Learns, the gateway is the user-friendly family platform accessible at IndianaLearns.org. This online portal serves as a central hub where families can readily determine their student’s eligibility, monitor grant funds, explore a diverse network of vetted Learning Partner vendors, and seamlessly schedule tutoring sessions.
Checking eligibility is a straightforward process. Parents simply need to input their student’s Student Test Number (STN) and date of birth into the platform. The STN can be found on ILEARN score reports or obtained from the school registrar or office staff. Upon verification, eligible families gain immediate access to information about available funds and can browse a curated list of Learning Partners operating in their vicinity. Indiana Learns is continuously expanding its network of providers, ensuring a growing range of high-quality academic support options for students throughout Indiana.
Every qualifying student is granted an initial $500 allocation, which can be applied towards approved in-person or virtual tutoring services listed on the platform. This funding opens doors to various learning experiences, including individual private tutoring, focused small group sessions, and enriching academic camps offered during school breaks. Furthermore, students attending schools that have committed to matching funds will receive a total of $1,000, doubling the potential impact of Indiana Learns for these students.
The platform provides transparency and ease of management. As students participate in scheduled tutoring sessions, the corresponding costs are reflected in their personalized portal, allowing families to track their available funds in real-time. The portal also integrates helpful resources and support tools. Importantly, families do not handle funds directly, nor are they responsible for payments to Learning Partners. Indiana Learns manages the financial transactions directly with the Learning Partners, streamlining the process and eliminating administrative burdens for families.
Indiana Learns Eligibility: Key Criteria
To ensure Indiana Learns resources reach the students with the greatest need, specific eligibility criteria have been established. A student must meet ALL of the following requirements to qualify for a tutoring grant:
- Residency: The student must be a resident of Indiana.
- Enrollment: The student must be currently enrolled in and actively attending an Indiana school.
- Free or Reduced Lunch: The student must qualify for the federal free or reduced-price lunch program, demonstrating financial need.
- ILEARN Performance: The student must have scored below proficiency in both mathematics and English/language arts on the ILEARN assessment as a third or fourth-grade student in the spring of 2022. It’s important to note that students approaching proficiency levels are not eligible for the program, ensuring resources are targeted towards those with the most significant learning gaps.
Seana Murphy, Senior Director of Indiana Learns, expresses enthusiasm about the program’s potential impact, stating, “The response from potential Learning Partners has been overwhelmingly positive.” The strong interest from high-quality, capable providers reinforces the belief that Indiana Learns can create substantial positive change for eligible students across Indiana. The focus is now on connecting families with these valuable resources through the accessible online platform.
For comprehensive details for both families and prospective Learning Partners, please visit IndianaLearns.org. The Indiana Learns team is also readily available to address any questions. Families can reach out via email at [email protected] or by phone at (317) 203-9236.
About Indiana Learns
Indiana Learns stands as a statewide microgrant program dedicated to delivering high-impact support to students, with a primary focus on fostering growth in mathematics and English/language arts for qualifying learners. Funded by the State of Indiana, the program’s operations are expertly managed by The Mind Trust, acting as a dedicated partner of the Indiana Department of Education. To delve deeper into the program and its mission, visit IndianaLearns.org.
About the Indiana Department of Education
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) plays a pivotal role in overseeing primary and secondary education throughout Indiana. Committed to excellence, IDOE strives to create meaningful and high-quality educational pathways for all students, equipping them for lifelong success. For more information about IDOE’s initiatives and broader mission, please visit https://www.in.gov/doe/.
About The Mind Trust
The Mind Trust is a prominent Indianapolis-based education nonprofit organization deeply committed to building a robust and equitable system of schools within Indianapolis. Their core mission is to ensure that every student in Indianapolis, without exception, has access to a high-quality education. The Mind Trust achieves this through strategic policy work, community engagement, empowering talented educators to launch innovative schools, and providing crucial support to existing schools to cultivate exceptional talent and achieve educational excellence. Since its inception in 2006, The Mind Trust has been instrumental in launching 45 schools and 15 education nonprofit organizations, and has facilitated the placement of over 1,750 teachers and school leaders in Indianapolis classrooms. Learn more about their impactful work at themindtrust.org.
ADDITIONAL MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kateri Whitley | [email protected]; 317-801-9682
Alli Vanneman | [email protected]; 317-650-6120
