Monday, August 22, 2022
Holly Lawson
Deputy Director of Communications
(317) 232-0536
hlawson2@doe.in.gov
WHAT: Press conference announcing the launch of Indiana Learns, a statewide enrichment program that will provide qualifying students up to $1,000 to boost their math and reading abilities with high-quality tutoring or other approved out-of-school activities. The Indiana Department of Education is partnering with The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based education nonprofit, to operate the program.
WHO: Press conference remarks and media availability from:
- Dr. Katie Jenner, Secretary of Education, Indiana Department of Education
- Seana Murphy, Senior Director of State Program, Indiana Learns
- Dr. Aleesia Johnson, Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools
- Rep. Bob Behning, Indiana State Representative
- Dr. Matt Prusiecki, Superintendent of MSD Decatur Township
- Dr. Todd Bess, Executive Director of Indiana Association of School Principals
- Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Superintendent of Muncie Community Schools
- Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust (no remarks, media availability only)
WHEN: Wednesday, August 24, at 2:45 p.m. EST
WHERE:
- Blue & Gold Academy, Decatur Township Schools (5650 Mann Road, Indianapolis, IN 46221)
- Media should enter through Door 19 West and can park on the drive in front of the door
Media should RSVP to Kateri Whitley at kwhitley@themindtrust.org.
In January 2022, the Indiana General Assembly passed and Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1251 to create a microgrant program, Indiana Learns, to support academic recovery for students following the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualifying families will have up to $1,000 that they can spend with vetted, high-quality vendors on in-person or virtual math and reading enrichment. The announcement will share details about student qualification, vendor qualification and approval process, and how schools can match state funds to ensure maximum benefit to their students.