The Gary-based Urban League of Northwest Indiana recently was awarded a $1.1 million grant from the Indiana Department of Education.
The Expanding What Works grant will increase access to summer programming for 3,000 Hoosier students. Community organizations, nonprofits and local schools will partner to reach students with the greatest academic need.
“In collaboration with DHB & Associates Ltd. who wrote and will coordinate this grant opportunity with us, we are poised to advance student achievement in Gary, Indiana,” said Vanessa Allen-McCloud, Urban League of NWI president and CEO, in a press release.
The Urban League will work with DHB & Associates, a local education consulting firm. They will identify 20 regional organizations to participate in the summer programming. The program will engage 750 students in kindergarten through ninth grades.
The five-week program will provide reading and math instruction. Activities are designed to motivate students and inspire a love of education. Vendors will provide cultural, STEM, music and dance activities.
The Urban League is one of four organizations in Indiana to receive the Expanding What Works grant. Other recipients include the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County in South Bend, Wabash County YMCA in Wabash and Creating Avenues for Student Transformation in Salem.
“Maximizing student learning requires an all-hands on deck approach, and what an excellent example the communities of South Bend, Gary, Salem and Wabash are leading to positively impact our students,” said Katie Jenner, Indiana secretary of education.
The Urban League is encouraging current and retired educators to participate. Interested educators can call 219-887-9621 for more information or email dblack@ulofnwi.org. Student enrollment starts in April.
The Urban League of Northwest Indiana promotes diversity and economic opportunities in African American and minority communities. The nonprofit organization was founded over 77 years ago. It serves Lake, Porter and La Porte counties.
