IU School of Education in Indianapolis hosts Summer Impact Programs
The School of Education in Indianapolis seeks to increase its summer impact in Indianapolis by interrupting summer learning loss with established, faculty-led programs, which serve students of color and/or those who are eligible for free and reduced lunch. These summer programs serve students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade and the focus includes literacy, STEM, the arts, civic engagement and social action.
Girls STEM Institute (GSI) is a STEM learning program designed to provide holistic learning opportunities for scholars ages 7-18 who are underrepresented in STEM fields. Currently, GSI is implemented as a four-week summer program and Saturday workshops once a month during the school year. During the school year, GSI also offers parent/caregiver workshops to assist and empower parents/caregivers as they advocate on behalf of their scholars. GSI provides scholars an opportunity to develop an understanding of mathematics and other STEM concepts in a meaningful and culturally grounded context. Within GSI’s rich, rigorous, relevant, and supportive setting, scholars have the freedom to grow interpersonally and intellectually. Through GSI framework of socially transformative STEM curriculum (Mutegi, 2011), scholars are provided access to powerful STEM learning experiences that challenge them to think deeply and critically. As STEM learners, they are empowered to use STEM as a tool for personal and social change.
Note: Girls STEM Summer Institute is open and available to all individuals, regardless of race or gender.
Faculty Contact: Dr. Crystal Morton
The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom School program provides a 6-week summer enrichment experience through a research-based and multicultural curriculum that supports children and families through five essential components: (1) high quality academic and character-building enrichment; (2) parent and family involvement; (3) civic engagement and social action; (4) intergenerational servant leadership development; and (5) nutrition, health and mental health. The CDF Freedom School program is proudly rooted in the American Civil Rights Movement and the courageous efforts of college-age youth to make a difference. Our program combats summer learning loss while fostering leadership, literacy, and social responsibility.
Faculty Contact: Dr. Les Etienne
The Summer YPAR Institute is a 5-day intensive program for high school youth to develop research skills through a methodology known as YPAR (youth participatory action research). YPAR is an innovative approach to positive youth and community development in which young people are trained to conduct systematic research to improve their lives, their communities, and the institutions intended to serve them.
Faculty Contact: Dr. Tambra Jackson
Your Life Your Story is an evidence-based, interdisciplinary, and community-based youth development program. Over the course of a week, 30 youth experience a resilience-building curriculum, followed by a selection of art and movement-based activities to explore their identity, develop goals for the future, and identify barriers and opportunities. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are also provided to teens and staff at the camp. Expert professionals from the community lead the day-long activities. College-aged mentors work with teens to enhance learning, act as role models, and serve as a resource. Throughout the week, teens learn skills that will help them deal effectively and positively with the challenges they face. By teaching teens skills to thrive, we are not only preventing problems, but also helping them reach their goals.
Faculty Contact: Dr. Monica Medina