About Indiana Learns

Why did Indiana Learns start?

Results of a study conducted by the National Center for Assessment in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) show that students experienced a moderate to significant academic impact in English/language arts and a significant impact in math following pandemic-related learning disruptions. After one year of intensive support, results show that learning is stabilizing or recovering for many students. However, proficiency rates for specific student populations, including Black, Hispanic, English learner students, low income students, and students with disabilities, remain significantly below both pre-pandemic levels as well as their grade-level peers. 

Passed in January 2022, House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1251 outlined requirements for IDOE to establish and administer a microgrants program to support students in recovering from learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In summer 2022, the Indiana Department of Education partnered with The Mind Trust to manage implementation of this program, naming it Indiana Learns.

How does the program work?

Families have access to $500 per eligible student in grants that can be used to access qualifying services from an approved Learning Partner. Students attending Champion Plus Schools (those that provide a matching grant) may access up to $1,000. 

Families will select a learning partner through the online Indiana Learns portal, and then will enroll into the Learning Partner’s program. After providing services, the Learning Partner invoices Indiana Learns for the amount of money expended. 

Funds are exchanged between the Learning Partner and Indiana Learns.

What is The Mind Trust’s role?

The Mind Trust is recognized as an expert at bringing a range of partners together to support students – a skill that’s been in high demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.