State launches $1,000 tutor grant program
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Hoosier fourth and fifth graders who scored below proficiency in both math and English/language arts on the ILEARN exams may qualify for $1,000 grants to help pay for tutoring. The Indiana Department of Education has announced the launch of Indiana Learns, a statewide grant program.
IDOE says the funding is intended to give qualifying families access to “high-dosage” tutors and approved out-of-state academic programs for their students.
“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,” said Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner.
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 has partnered with Indianapolis-based nonprofit The Mind Trust to operate the two-year program.
To qualify for an Indiana Learns tutoring grant, students must meet 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.
Each student accepted to the program will receive $500 in their account. The students’ school will be encouraged to provide another $250 into the account, which will then be matched by the state.
“We hope that school corporations will provide the matching dollars within the grant program to further enable our students to take advantage of the academic support through state and local partners, and through our Indiana educators who can directly link the additional tutoring to classroom success,” said Dr. Todd Bess, executive director of Indiana Association of School Principals.
Click here to learn more about the program.