Summer Learning Labs launches across 37 Indiana cities

(June 25, 2025) – This week marks the 2025 program start of Summer Learning Labs (SLL), a transformative five-week program designed to boost learning and enrichment for Hoosier students. SLL was modeled after Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL) in Indianapolis and replicates the program across Indiana. Operated by The Mind Trust in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), local schools, districts, and community organizations, this year’s program features 145 free and low-cost sites that have enrolled over 12,000 students. 

Summer Learning Labs Impact

Summer Learning Labs (SLL) was launched in 2021 to address learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide access to high-quality summer learning to students who need access the most. Since its inception, pre- and post-tests for the Labs have shown double-digit percentage point learning gains, with notable 2024 results including a 26 percentage point increase in overall English Language Arts (ELA) and a 24 percentage point increase in overall math scores. 

2025 SLL Program Highlights:

• Sites State-wide: This year’s program spans 145 locations, including community centers, churches, and schools throughout the state.
• Strong Enrollment: With over 12,000 students enrolled this year, the program is serving more students than ever before. 
• Dedicated Educators: Over 700 licensed teachers and instructional assistants have been hired to deliver high-quality, in-person instruction in math and reading.
• Comprehensive Services: Many sites offer breakfast, a snack, and before and after-school care and transportation options.
• Engaging Activities: In addition to academic instruction, students will participate in a variety of enrichment activities, including field trips, arts, STEM projects, and more.
• Quality Anchor Partners: Each anchor partner has years of experience supporting their respective communities, and they are each a community pillar in their own right. This year’s anchor partners will all be in their second year of the program, while ISLL is entering its fifth year.

“The Mind Trust is thrilled to launch the fifth year of Summer Learning Labs across the state. This program continues to be a powerful example of what’s possible when schools, educators, and communities come together to create high-quality, engaging learning experiences that help students thrive during the summer and beyond,” said Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust.

Summer Learning Labs Across the State

In early 2024, IDOE announced the first recipients of the Expanding What Works grant, an opportunity designed after ISLL in Indianapolis to increase access to high-quality summer programming by expanding Summer Learning Labs beyond Marion County. 

Organizations outside of Indianapolis are continuing to collaborate with The Mind Trust to operate Summer Learning Labs in their communities. The Lavinia Group, an academic partner, supports with reading and math curriculum, teacher planning resources, pre- and post-assessments, virtual onboarding training, and in-person coaching for facilitators.

Students at these SLL sites receive rigorous, high-quality math and reading instruction each day to support continued student learning over the summer break, in addition to fun enrichment activities unique to each site. All sites outside of Indianapolis are free of charge to families, and the majority of Indianapolis sites are free if not low-cost.

“We are so excited to launch Summer Learning Labs for another year. It is amazing to see the academic progress and how the program boosts the confidence of our students each year. The impact of school-community partnerships across Indiana has been essential to accelerating student growth through high-quality summer academic programming,” says Alli Vanneman, Director of Strategic Partnerships at The Mind Trust.

2025 Summer Learning Labs key program details include:

GC SLL will be run by the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor (BGCNIC), which will work with 14 affiliate clubs across the state. It will serve over 5,500 students at 52 sites in 27 cities, with more than 200 instructional staff hired. In addition to daily math and reading instruction, enrichment activities may include arts and crafts, athletics, STEM, and more.

Indy SLL will be run by The Mind Trust and will serve more than 5,300 students across 55 sites in Indianapolis, with more than 300 instructional staff hired. In addition to daily math and reading instruction, enrichment activities will include field trips to places such as, The Indianapolis Zoo, The Children’s Museum, roller skating rinks, and much more.

Northwest SLL will be run by Urban League of Northwest Indiana and DHB & Associates and will serve more than 800 students across 29 sites in 4 cities, with more than 180 instructional staff hired. In addition to daily math and reading instruction, enrichment activities include field trips, arts, athletics, STEM, and more.

Southeast SLL will be run by Creating Avenues for Student Transformation (CAST) and will serve more than 150 students across 5 sites in 3 cities, with 23 instructional staff hired. In addition to daily math and reading instruction, enrichment activities will include field trips, arts, athletics, STEM, and more.

Wabash SLL will be run by Wabash County YMCA and will serve more than 100 students across 4 sites in 2 cities, with 12 instructional staff hired. In addition to daily math and reading instruction, enrichment activities will include Sky Zone, Bowling, Skating, a magic show, Fort Wayne Zoo, swimming at the YMCA, and more.

To learn more about the program, visit thesummerlearninglabs.com.