Student enrollment now open at more than 45 free or low-cost Indy Summer Learning Lab sites

Student enrollment opened today for Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL), a five-week, free or low-cost academic and enrichment program to boost learning over summer break. The all-day program provides high-quality academic instruction and fun activities in a safe environment for Marion County students who will enter first through ninth grade in the fall. The program is operated by The Mind Trust in partnership with local schools, districts, and community organizations. Since 2021, the program has consistently delivered double-digit learning gains in both math and reading for participating students. 

“The Mind Trust is thrilled to offer Indy Summer Learning Labs for a fourth year. We are incredibly proud to partner with schools, community organizations, and educators who want to impact student learning this summer,” said Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue providing high-quality programs that address the needs of our students and help prevent summer learning loss.” 

2024 program enrollment is now open

ISLL will serve students for a fourth summer from June 17 through July 19. This year’s program can serve 5,500 students at more than 45 sites, including community centers, churches, and schools. Site enrollment is either free or low-cost. All sites will serve breakfast and lunch; some locations will provide before- and after-school care as well as transportation.

Students who participate receive high-quality, in-person math and reading instruction each day from licensed teachers. Sites also provide fun enrichment activities, such as field trips, arts, STEM activities, and more. A full list of locations and information about individual site hours, enrollment, and more can be found at indysummerlearninglabs.com/enroll. Families are encouraged to claim their spots in the enrollment portal as soon as possible as each site has a seating limit. 

“Each year we refine our approach and adapt to new opportunities and I’m exhilarated to witness the 2024 Indy Summer Learning Labs impact. As we embark on the fourth year of this project, I am truly thrilled to guide its progression and empower students to excel,” said Laura Palacios, Senior Director of Indy Summer Learning Labs.

How to enroll your student at an Indy Summer Learning Labs site

This year, ISLL is partnering with Enroll Indy to deliver an easy online enrollment experience for families. To enroll: 

1. Visit indysummerlearninglabs.com/enroll to find ISLL locations, hours, fees, and other details to choose the site that works best for your family.
2. Once you have your site preference chosen, complete the online form found at indysummerlearninglabs.com/enroll.
3. Once you fill out the form, you will receive instructions with any additional registration steps that need to be completed.

Families can get enrollment portal assistance by contacting Enroll Indy at 317-426-3234 or by email at info@enrollindy.org. For more information on individual sites’ programming, families can contact sites at the information listed on indysummerlearninglabs.com/enroll.

About Indy Summer Learning Labs

The Mind Trust and United Way of Central Indiana launched ISLL in 2021 to address learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is focused on serving students who stand to gain the most from expanded access to high-quality, summer academic programming. In 2022, ISLL served 5,000 Marion County students at 39 schools and community learning centers. Last year, 59% of ISLL students identified as Black, and 16% identified as Latino. Sixty-eight percent of ISLL students qualified for the federal free or reduced-price lunch program.

Students who participated in 2021 and 2022 saw double-digit learning gains in math and reading as measured by an assessment taken at the start and end of the program. Notable program results from 2023 include:

• A 23 percentage point increase in basic and proficient scores for English/language arts (ELA)
• A 22 percentage point increase in basic and proficient scores for math
• A 23 percentage point increase in overall ELA and math scores
• 96% of families were very satisfied or satisfied with what Indy Summer Learning Labs offers their child or children. 

ISLL is now being replicated in four cities across the state with the support of the Indiana Department of Education. Starting in 2024, The Mind Trust assumed full program management of Indy Summer Learning Labs and provides technical support to programs in other cities. 

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

About Indy Summer Learning Labs

Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL) is a collaborative effort between The Mind Trust, schools, and community-based organizations serving students across Indianapolis with continued summer instruction and enrichment activities to drive increased academic achievement. ISLL offers five weeks of fun, high-quality academic opportunities for students during the summer break at dozens of locations across Marion County. Learn more at indysummerlearninglabs.com.