The Mind Trust invests in community learning sites

(photo courtesy of The Mind Trust)

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) – Indianapolis-based The Mind Trust is investing $200,000 in School Community Partnership awards to 11 local nonprofits. The organization says the investment will fund the creation of Community Learning Sites for working families in Indianapolis who need access to weekday, in-person e-learning supervision and support.

The Mind Trust says 500 students will be able to immediately register for a Community Learning Site, with sites preparing to launch by Aug. 24.

“Marginalized families in Indianapolis continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden as a result of COVID-19. As many schools make the understandable decision to begin the new school year virtually, families continue to tell us and our community partners that they need support
navigating the many obstacles they currently face,” said Brandon Brown, chief executive officer of The Mind Trust. “Leaning on our Community and Equity core values, The Mind Trust is eager to do our part in supporting students and families during this time of tremendous need.”

The Mind Trust says many families have found themselves in need of e-learning supervision and support for their students during this time. Additionally, many working families are facing a childcare crisis.

To help with these needs, the organization is awarding local nonprofits with funds to create and staff Community Learning Sites. The Mind Trust says the funds can be used for expenses related to supporting small groups of students with their e-learning experiences such as personnel costs, facility-related costs, wireless infrastructure, meals, personal protective equipment and transportation support for families.

The locations for the Community Learning Sites include:

  • Chaney Microlearning Center, far east
  • Christamore House, near west
  • Cornerstone Lutheran Church Indianapolis, in partnership with Shepherd Community Center, east side
  • Crossroads AME Church, midtown
  • Edna Martin Christian Center, east side
  • Freedom Academy Inc. (The Reset Center), far east side
  • Hawthorne Community Center, west side
  • Kids Inc., in partnership with Shepherd Community Center, south side
  • Ralph Waldo Emerson School 58, in partnership with Shepherd Community Center, east side
  • Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, midtown
  • Westside Missionary Baptist Church, northwest side

The Mind Trust says Community Learning Site partners were selected based on an organization’s interest in participation, capacity to quickly implement programming and location in high-need areas.

The organization says families will not need to pay any fees to participate, but they do need to register with the site that works best for them. Breakfast and lunch will be served daily at all sites.

You can find more information or register by clicking here.