Application opens for 2025 Indy Summer Learning Labs school and community-based site partners

(December 12, 2024) – Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL), a five-week, free, or low-cost academic and enrichment summer program operated by The Mind Trust, has now opened site location applications for summer 2025 programming. Indianapolis schools, districts, and community-based organizations may apply to be site partners. Applications are due Friday, January 17, 2025. In 2024, ISLL served over 5,300 students across 52 sites, with a 26 percentage point learning gain in ELA and a 24 percentage point learning gain in math.

ISLL serves students who will be in grades 1-9 for the 2025-2026 school year and will run from June 16 to July 18, 2025 at school and community-based locations across Marion County. Since 2021, the program has consistently delivered double-digit learning gains in both math and reading for participating students and expanded access to high-quality summer programming for students who need it most. 

“Indy Summer Learning Labs is a powerful example of how schools and community-based organizations can work together to implement innovative programs that accelerate student learning,” said Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust. “ISLL site location schools and community-based organizations work together to provide students with a blend of high-quality instruction and engaging enrichment opportunities. The Mind Trust is proud to partner with dedicated community leaders in planning for ISLL’s fifth year.”

Site eligibility and program requirements

Indianapolis schools, districts, and community organizations are encouraged to apply to be an ISLL site. 

All ISLL sites must commit to:

• Participating for the entire 5 weeks of programming
• Devoting 3.5 hours of instruction daily utilizing the Lavinia ELA and math curriculum
• Adhering to all data tracking and financial reporting requirements

School site applicants may include Indianapolis districts, as well as public and private schools. These sites have the option to only serve students who are currently enrolled at their school or may choose to serve students from any school. 

School sites will receive: 

• Lavinia curriculum and professional development costs
• ISLL summer enrollment marketing support
• A comprehensive data report on student performance and site metrics
• Additionally, funding can be used to offset the cost of additional expenses not covered by The Mind Trust. 

Interested schools can apply and learn more about program requirements by going to indysummerlearninglabs.com/for-schools.

Community-based sites, including churches, community centers, and daycares, may apply to offer summer programming in their facilities. These organizations receive support with funding, hiring, staff training, and more to provide students with a high-quality ISLL program. 

The Mind Trust and partners will hire, compensate, and place certified teaching staff for each community-based ISLL site. While each site will be responsible for the compensation for all non-instructional positions, there is a possibility of receiving funding to offset costs.  

Community-based sites will receive the following: 

• All instructional staff compensation for ELA and math teachers, supervising teachers, and classroom assistants
• Lavinia curriculum and professional development costs
• Student handouts, pre- and post-assessments, and teacher books for Lavinia curriculum
• ISLL summer enrollment marketing support
• A comprehensive data report on student performance and site metrics
• Additionally, funding can be used to offset the cost of additional expenses not covered by The Mind Trust. 

Interested community-based sites can apply and learn more about program requirements by going to indysummerlearninglabs.com/for-community-partners.

The deadline to apply is Friday, January 17. For questions about applying to be a 2025 ISLL site location, please reach out to program@indysummerlearninglabs.com.

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About Indy Summer Learning Labs

Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL) is a collaborative effort between The Mind Trust, schools, and community-based organizations serving students across Indianapolis with continued summer instruction and enrichment activities to drive increased academic achievement. ISLL offers five weeks of fun, high-quality academic opportunities for students during the summer break at dozens of locations across Marion County. Learn more at indysummerlearninglabs.com.