States in ‘triage mode’ over $6B in withheld K-12 funding
School systems are unable to draw down funding, jeopardizing summer programs, hiring and early-year planning for the 2025–26 school year. Indiana stands to lose out on about $100 million.
Education & Workforce Development
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Marion County preschool costs set to rise as state cuts funding
At least seven public school districts in the Indianapolis area are raising the cost of preschool for the coming year, as the state makes cuts to its state preschool voucher program, On My Way Pre-K.
Indiana embracing Trump’s call to increase apprenticeship
Education and labor experts note that making high school apprenticeships commonplace won’t be simple.
IPS denies Cold Spring’s bid to become charter school, cites ‘guiding principles’
The K-8 Cold Spring School, which is known for its competitive robotics team and STEM programs, had sought to amend its Innovation Network agreement with Indianapolis Public Schools.
Indiana secures $6.25M to advance apprenticeships
Indiana’s demand for apprenticeship is rising after education officials approved a massive high school diploma redesign last year.
Trump administration withholds $6B in federal grants for after-school and summer programs
The move leaves states and schools in limbo as they budget for programs this summer and in the upcoming school year, introducing new uncertainty about when—or if—they will receive the money.
Indiana private school voucher spending tops $497M as enrollment slows
Participation in Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program grew by about 8.5% in the 2024-25 school year—marking a slowdown after record-setting enrollment growth in prior years.
IPS board adopts new artificial intelligence policy for educators
The adoption of the policy follows the first phase of a pilot program in which 20 staff members used a district-approved AI tool throughout the year.
Indy summer camps sow interests, carve career pathways early on
IBJ checked in with four summer camp programs, at three locations, that are giving students real-world work experiences.
Maureen Weber stepping down as leader of Early Learning Indiana
Weber has been president and CEO of Early Learning Indiana since 2018.
Butler launches sports, entertainment institute focused on local events
A new Butler University program announced Wednesday is expected to create opportunities for the school’s business and communication students to gain hands-on experience working in central Indiana’s burgeoning entertainment industry.
Indianapolis charter board approves new Legal Prep school
The charter school plans to grow enrollment to 825 students in grades 6-12 by 2029-30.
Indiana workforce leaders aim to ‘salvage’ slashed dropout prevention program
The Jobs for America’s Graduates program, which serves thousands of Hoosier students, was eliminated as a line item in the state budget during this legislative session.
United States resumes visas for foreign students, but demands access to social media accounts
The U.S. State Department said consular officers will be on the lookout for posts and messages that could be deemed hostile to the United States, its government, culture, institutions or founding principles.
Indiana schools get roadmap for K-12 policy changes following 2025 legislative session
More than two dozen K-12 education laws are set to take effect July 1, along with the state’s next two-year budget.
Q&A with IU Innovate’s Julie Heath: Using entrepreneurship as a way to drive Indiana’s economy
IBJ talked with Heath last week during the Global Entrepreneurship Congress at the Indiana Convention Center about what IU Innovates has accomplished in its first two years and what’s next for the effort.
IU unveils architectural design plan for IU LAB at 16 Tech
The five-story, 150,000 square-foot building will be built next to the Herron School of Art and Design’s Eskenazi Fine Arts Center on Indiana Avenue in Indianapolis.
IPS to expand staff use of AI in pilot program; school board to consider draft policy
The district will launch a second phase of its pilot AI program this upcoming school year.
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana to merge with Illinois counterpart
The combined nonprofit will operate in 40 Indiana counties and 21 central Illinois counties, serving tens of thousands of people.
Indiana slashes number of children in state preschool program
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, which manages the program, said cuts were necessary because former Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration had grown the program without a sustainable funding source.