Funds focus on addressing short-term device and internet connectivity needs for Marion County public schools and districts
INDIANAPOLIS (April 27, 2020) – The advisory committee for the Indianapolis E-Learning Fund unanimously approved the release of $1.5 million in targeted aid to public school districts and public charter schools across the city to fund critical device and internet connectivity needs for students and families.
Marion County educators identified lack of devices and internet connectivity as the biggest barriers to implementing successful e-learning in a needs assessment conducted by the Office of Education Innovation in partnership with The Mind Trust. Educators who completed the survey reported that more than 25 percent of students did not have access to the high-speed internet necessary to engage with e-learning. Additionally, tens of thousands of students lacked laptops, tablets, or mobile hotspots that would allow them to learn at home. Many of the most affected students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch.
“We know schools are working around the clock to ensure students have opportunities to learn during this difficult time, and we’re proud we can do something to help them in that effort,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “I appreciate the collaboration between advisory committee members, local school leaders, our funders, and partners from the philanthropic and business communities that made this possible.”
“The Indianapolis E-Learning Fund is supporting schools and districts at a critical moment,” said Dr. Shawn A. Smith, Superintendent of MSD Lawrence Township and a member of the advisory committee. “We are focused on using these funds to strengthen our service to students and families. We realize this is a short-term solution, but we are leveraging our power to create a long-term solution that will benefit all public-school families in Marion County.”
Funds will be allocated to districts and schools based on the size of their student population and state data showing how many students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. Allocations will be distributed to districts directly. Charter school allocations will be administered by The Mind Trust.
The remaining contributions in the fund will be directed toward longer-term investments and resources for schools engaging in e-learning and remote learning statewide.
About the Indianapolis E-Learning Fund
Following the implementation of state and local restrictions for area schools, a group of stakeholders established the Indianapolis E-Learning Fund with an initial investment of more than $2.6 million to support Indianapolis educators, students, and families during their transition to e-learning. Mayor Joe Hogsett’s Office of Education Innovation administers the fund, and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee serves as the fiscal agent.
Founding funding partners include the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, the Cummins Foundation, EdChoice, the Emmis Communications, Glick Philanthropies, The Heritage Group, The Indianapolis Foundation, The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indiana Charter School Network, the Institute for Quality Education, Lilly Endowment Inc., the Lumina Foundation, The Mind Trust, The OneAmerica Foundation Inc., Salesforce, the Telamon Foundation, and United Way of Central Indiana.
Learn more about the fund and how to contribute at indy.gov/elearning.
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Media Contact:
Shaina Cavazos
City of Indianapolis
Office of Education Innovation
317-327-3111
shaina.cavazos@indy.gov