Indianapolis, IN — The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has announced the launch of “Indiana Learns,” a statewide grant program that will provide qualifying families with up to $1,000 to spend on math and English/language arts high-dosage tutoring and approved out-of-school academic programs for their students.
The initiative’s goal is to increase access to effective, out-of-school academic support to help students recover from learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Parents and families play such an important role in a child’s education, not only through reading to and supporting them at home but also through additional high-quality tutoring to further support their learning,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “As we continue to make historic investments in education, this grant will increase access to tutoring opportunities for our students who need it most, regardless of a parent or family’s ability to afford this additional support.”
Earlier this year, Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Enrolled Act 1251 to create a microgrant program for families that could provide additional learning support for students most impacted academically by the COVID-19 pandemic. IDOE selected The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based education nonprofit organization, as a partner to operate the two-year program.
“Indiana Learns is excited to connect with families, schools, and community partners to share how the program can positively impact student learning,” said Seana Murphy, senior director of Indiana Learns. “These tutoring grants give families the power to choose engaging, high-quality academic support for their students. We look forward to partnering with families and schools to help Hoosier students succeed.”
To qualify for an Indiana Learns tutoring grant, students must meet all of the following criteria:
- Legally reside in Indiana,
- Be enrolled at a traditional public, charter, or accredited non-public school,
- Qualify for Federal Free or Reduced Lunch, and
- Have scored Below Proficiency in both math and English/language arts on ILEARN as a third or fourth grader in 2022.
Once a family has registered at IndianaLearns.org, they can manage their account and find participating learning partners in an online platform that will be available by Saturday, October 1.
The platform will also include helpdesk resources.
Funds can be used on approved virtual and in-person tutoring opportunities listed on the online platform.
Examples of qualifying expenses include private tutoring, small group tutoring, or academic-focused camps held during school breaks.
Additional information for families and interested learning partners can be found at IndianaLearns.org.
(Indiana Department of Education press release)
