Indy Summer Learning Labs opens enrollment for 2026 program at 62 sites
(March 26, 2026) – Student enrollment opened today for Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL), a free, high-quality summer learning and enrichment program. Each day, students receive high-quality academic instruction and engage in fun activities in a safe environment. This program is for Indianapolis students who will enter first through ninth grade in the fall of 2026. Operated by The Mind Trust and supported by schools, districts, and community organizations, the program has delivered double‑digit percentage point learning gains in math and reading proficiency since it began in 2021.
For the sixth consecutive summer, ISLL will serve students from June 15 through July 17. The program aims to serve 5,500 students at 62 sites, which include community centers, churches, and schools. Site enrollment is free this year, though some locations may charge additional fees for before‑ or after‑care or for extended weeks beyond the June 15 through July 17 program window. All sites will serve breakfast and lunch; some locations will provide transportation.
Students receive daily in‑person math and reading instruction from licensed teachers, along with enrichment activities such as field trips, arts, and STEM. A full list of locations, site hours, enrollment details, and more is available at indysummerlearninglabs.com/enroll. Families are encouraged to claim their spots early, as each site has limited seating.
“I’m excited to kick off another summer of learning, enrichment, and confidence-building through Indy Summer Learning Labs,” said Jazmin Sanders, Senior Director of Innovative Learning. “Each year, we see students make meaningful academic progress while developing a stronger connection to learning, and we’re proud to continue this work with families across Indianapolis to support strong outcomes for students.”
How to enroll your student at an Indy Summer Learning Labs site
New to this year, ISLL is partnering with Avela to deliver a smooth online enrollment experience for families. To enroll:
- Visit the Avela explore page at explore.avela.org/summerlearninglabs, where you can find ISLL locations, grades served, hours, fees, and other details to choose the site that best works for your family.
- Once you have chosen your site preference, complete the online form found at apply.avela.org/indysll.
- Once you fill out the information, you will receive a confirmation email and instructions with any additional registration steps that need to be completed.
Families can get enrollment portal assistance by contacting our enrollment team at enrollment@indysummerlearninglabs.com. For more information on individual sites’ programming, families can contact sites at the information listed on explore.avela.org/summerlearninglabs.
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. ISLL has since focused on serving students who gain the greatest impact from additional high‑quality summer learning opportunities. In 2025, ISLL served over 5,300 Marion County students at 55 schools and community learning centers. Last year, 92% of ISLL students identified as students of color, 17% were English Language Learners, and 69% qualified for the federal free or reduced-priced lunch programs.
Each year, participating students have achieved double-digit learning gains in math and english language arts (ELA) as measured by an assessment taken at the start and end of the program. Notable program results from 2025 include:
- A 27 percentage point increase in basic and proficient scores for ELA
- A 27 percentage point increase in basic and proficient scores for math
Due to the ongoing success of ISLL, the program was replicated in 2024 to more Indiana regions. Last year, statewide labs served over 12,000 students. Statewide math and english language arts (ELA) gains were similar to those for ISLL, showing the model’s effectiveness. To learn more about the Indianapolis program, visit indysummerlearninglabs.com. To learn more about Summer Learning Labs statewide, visit thesummerlearninglabs.com.