Eligible families can apply for $1,000 state tutoring grants aimed at improving student skills in math and language arts in a statewide program that has returned after running out of money earlier this year.
Launched in 2022 with federal pandemic assistance to counter learning loss, the tutoring program was disrupted last spring when funding ran out because of its popularity.
A state Department of Education news release announced the program’s return last week, but its funding source was not listed.
Enrollment in the Indiana Learns program ends Dec. 19, according to the release.
“Indiana Learns specifically focuses on our most struggling students and provides them the opportunity to receive high-quality tutoring support, regardless of their parents’ ability to pay,” said Katie Jenner, state secretary of education.
To qualify, a student must reside in Indiana, have scored below proficiency on math and English sections of ILEARN; qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program; and attend a federally designated low-performing school as a third-eighth grade student.
To determine eligibility and enroll, visit IndianaLearns.org. Several traditional and charter schools in Lake County are among those listed.
Qualifying students access tutoring through the approved vendor, Learning Partners. Tutoring is available in-person, online or in a hybrid format.
The Mind Trust, a nonprofit education organization, administers the program for the state Department of Education.
It has enrolled more than 25,000 students and financed more than 280,000 hours of tutoring, the release said.
Officials said data revealed students who participated in frequent tutoring showed more academic improvement than less frequent users.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
