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Indiana University K-12 Student Success Corps report shows academic success statewide

Posted on by tfrancis

IU K-12 SSC tutor/mentor working with a small group of elementary school students.

Between the 2021 and 2024 academic years, the Indiana University K-12 Student Success Corps (IU K-12 SSC) served nearly 2,500 students statewide, resulting in improved academic and social-emotional outcomes, their recently released 2021-24 Impact Report shows.

IU K-12 SSC assists students in grades K-12 with free in-person or virtual tutoring, mentoring and college and career readiness programming. Created in 2016 as the Indiana KIDS program (the name changed in 2020), IU K-12 SSC employs Indiana University students from IU Indianapolis (transitioned from IUPUI in 2024), IU South Bend, IU East, and IU Southeast and community members that include retired teachers as tutor/mentors.

About the program

IU K-12 SSC is home to three free tutoring and mentoring programs: grade 6-12 virtual evening sessions, grade K-12 in-person sessions, and the grade K-6 in-person Young Scholars pilot program.

An IU K-12 SSC tutor/mentor serving in an online session.

During the academic school year, the virtual evening program provides tutoring and mentoring online and by phone to any Indiana student in grades 6-12. A program coordinator works closely with each student’s caregiver to identify academic areas of need and matches the student with skilled tutors and mentors who assist in math, language arts, science, and social studies. Students also learn about careers, college goals, navigating obstacles, and positive decision making.

IU K-12 SSC tutor/mentor serving in-person with an elementary grade student.

The K-12 in-person program provides tutoring and mentoring in schools and community centers in Indianapolis, South Bend, Richmond, and New Albany to support math, language arts, science, and social studies. Principals partner with teachers to identify students who need academic support and academic materials are provided to meet the students’ needs. IU K-12 SSC uses research-based academic strategies in tutoring sessions while also providing tutors and mentors with professional development in areas such as managing student behavior, addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and providing culturally responsive tutoring strategies. The program uses small groups and individualized instruction to respond to students’ learning needs.

IU K-12 SSC tutor/mentor serving in-person with an elementary grade student.

The Young Scholars Program is a two-year pilot program launched in October 2022 at two Indianapolis Public Schools – Robert Lee Frost School 106 and Theodore Potter School 74. At these schools, tutor/mentors provide face-to-face, high-dosage tutoring and social emotional learning interventions for students in grades K-6. They build relationships with students during the school day for 30 minutes, two to three times a week, to address learning setbacks in reading. Tutor/mentors implement professional development strategies learned from the Orton Gillingham phonics-based curriculum, as well as mentoring students in positive behavior choices, addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) for social emotional wellbeing, and incorporating culturally-responsive tutoring strategies for meaningful and relevant connections.

The Young Scholars program uses the looping approach to connect students tutored in the first year of the program with the same tutor/mentor in the second school year. Looping provides continuation of the relationship established between the student and tutor/mentor, helping to build trust and rapport.

IU K-12 SSC parents and caregivers attending an IU K-12 SSC workshop.

“Research has shown that keeping teachers with students over more than a one-year period helps them to be academically successful,” said Latosha Rowley, Young Scholars program manager. The program found that many students had improved behavior as a result of having an additional caring adult who was part of their school experience.

Enrolled students and their caregivers are invited to participate in workshops that support learning. Topics include literacy development, college and career readiness, student study habits, and college campus tours.

Students show academic growth and improvement

The strength of the IU K-12 SSC program is that students across gender, ethnicity and grade levels are having academic success. “This program works for all students,” said Mary Louise Bewley, Young Scholars school liaison.

InfographicBetween August 2021 and April 2024, IU K-12 SSC programming served at total of 2,472 students. The in-person program served 146 Indiana elementary (15), middle (54), and high (77) schools in addition to (4) community sites in Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis), South Bend (IU South Bend), New Albany (IU Southeast), and Richmond (IU East).

Tutors/mentors provided a total of 23,929 hours in tutoring and mentoring to enrolled K-12 students statewide from years 2021 to 2024 (including the IU Young Scholars and Virtual Evening programs), indicating a high degree of engagement between students and tutor/mentors. Following the sessions, 82% of students were reported to be able to move forward independently or with some guidance. An outstanding 90% of students actively participated and stayed engaged throughout each session.

In the Virtual Evening program, 230 students from 109 schools were served by phone or online with a total number of 3,745 tutoring and mentoring sessions from 2021-24. More than 96% of caregivers reported, based on qualitative program data, that the tutoring and mentoring their children received in the Virtual Evening program had a very significant positive impact on their academic and social/emotional growth. This impact included improved grades and test scores, increased confidence and self-esteem, reduced anxiety, better study habits, and positive attitudes toward learning. The program has also been demonstrated to have long-lasting benefits.

In 2023-24, the Young Scholars pilot program found students in the program showed an 83% increase in Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) scores for both pilot schools, demonstrating the program’s positive effects on academic growth and achievement.

Based on surveys received from teachers at the end of the school year, 89% thought the IU K-12 SSC program had improved their student’s literacy skills. Most teachers reported the tutors/mentors had a positive impact on students’ behavior.

Program impacts tutors and mentors too

College students from various IU campuses, community members, and former educators served as tutor/mentors in the program. Many were bilingual with proficient Spanish skills.

“The IU K-12 SSC experience encouraged two tutor/mentors to take a different career path – EDUCATION!,” said Crystal Clark, IU K-12 SSC program manager.  After graduating from Indiana University this year, two IU K-12 SSC tutor/mentors were hired as middle school teachers working in Indianapolis.

Melanie Martindale, a biology major, graduated in May 2024 intending to study pre-med but shifted her career path to education. Martindale applied for the Transition to Teaching program at IU Indianapolis and accepted a 7th grade science teacher position at IPS William Penn School #49 for the 2024-2025 school year.

Emma White, another May 2024 graduate who holds a master’s degree in public health, also shifted her career path to education. White was accepted into Teach for America (the Summer 2024 cohort) and accepted a middle school science teacher position at Arlington Community Middle School.

Faith Odiete, the IUPUI 2024 undergraduate commencement speaker served as a tutor/mentor in the 2023-2024 school year. As an IU K-12 SSC tutor/mentor, Faith supported first graders at IPS James Whitcomb Riley School 43 and students at Crispus Attucks High School. She plans to continue her role as a tutor/mentor, returning to James Whitcomb Riley School 43 to support the same group of students as second graders. (Photo by Liz Kaye/Indiana University)

Praise from parents and caregivers

IUSSC tutor/mentor serving in-person.

“The program has significantly increased the grades and confidence of my two students. My daughter’s grade went from a C to a B. My son hated math and his grades corresponded with his dislike. This last quarter my son has been receiving B’s in math and more importantly he has been excited to do his math homework. He looks forward to meeting with his tutor.”– IU K-12 SSC parent/caregiver

“It’s nice to see my child’s confidence blossom, which is not easy to capture in the data, but if you’re physically there it is very rewarding.” – IU K-12 SSC parent/caregiver

“I loved the coordinator’s willingness to work with my scholar’s schedule and the flexibility of his tutors.  The coordinator made sure I understood the process and worked with my schedule to ensure my scholar was scheduled with a tutor who best suited his academic needs.” – IU K-12 SSC parent/caregiver

“This program is amazing. My son has ADHD and situational anxiety and even though he has an IEP through the high school he doesn’t get the one-on-one help that he needs all the time. Since starting this tutoring program, he has been able to bring his grade up from an F and maintains a C+ to a B+ last semester and this semester. The high school has tutoring options, but it costs money and it’s something my family cannot afford at this time. This program being free has allowed my son an opportunity that we were not able to find anywhere else within the public school. Having the tutoring through the IUSSC was the only help we could find for our son with his math struggles. Having help once or twice a week allowed him to gain the knowledge he needed to bring his grades up and pass the class.” – IU K-12 SSC parent/caregiver

IUSSC tutor/mentor working with an elementary school student.

“Tutoring has had a tremendous impact regarding my daughter’s academic achievements. The skills, lessons, and accountability have helped her maintain her highest GPA in her academic career. Tutoring has had a tremendous impact on her success as a student. Most importantly, her confidence and understanding has improved. That has reflected in better test taking and grades. The skills that she learns from tutoring in math carry over in other subjects as well.” – IU K-12 SSC parent/caregiver

“When I say that I appreciate all that you have done for us I mean it. This tutoring program has improved my child’s mental health, academic standing, and her confidence in herself in ways that I could not have dreamed possible.” – IU K-12 SSC parent/caregiver

Appreciation from teachers and administration

“I want to extend our appreciation for the exceptional support that has been provided by the IUSSC tutors over the last two years. I have been extremely impressed with every one of the student tutors as they have made a significant and positive impact on our school community. Our students not only have benefited from their academic guidance but also behavioral as well. The tutors’ willingness to go above and beyond to support our students in whatever ways necessary has not gone unnoticed. They lead stations, provide engaging activities, support transitions, participate in parent/teacher conferences, and contribute to a safe and nurturing learning environment. The genuine connections they have built with our students and staff have made a significant, positive impact. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. We deeply appreciate your time and commitment and are truly grateful to have you as partner of our school.”  – Principal Kevin McMahan, IPS Jonathan Jennings School 109

“I’ve been in IPS for quite a while (22 years!) and this is the most beneficial outside program I’ve seen. The tutors who work with my students have been nothing short of wonderful. They show up every day they are supposed to be here, they are always on time, they are friendly and approachable, and they’re making a difference. I have tutoring students who were getting straight F’s on their spelling tests, missing every word, who are now consistently getting A’s. All of my tutoring students have shown growth both academically and socially. The tutors consistently check in with me and ask what I’d like them to work on. All in all, I just can’t say enough about how beneficial this program is. Thank you for everything you’re doing!  – 2nd grade teacher Elizabeth Clayton, IPS Robert Lee Frost School 106

Comments from tutor/mentor

Tutor/mentors serving at IU K-12 SSC family engagement event.

“Serving as a tutor/mentor has impacted me by allowing me to see the reach of my university beyond providing college students with an education. The Young Scholars Program serves communities and families, and it reminds me that I have skills and knowledge to share with the community.” – Dawn, IU Indianapolis student

As IU K-12 SSC looks to the future, they are evaluating their work and identifying funding sources. For more information about partnering with the Indiana University K-12 Student Success Corps (IU K-12 SSC), contact sscp@iu.edu or call 317-278-2000.

Old Southside neighborhood history showcased in new apartment building

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Dr. Susan B. Hyatt standing next to two display boards included in the Old Southside Neighborhood Art & History Exhibit.

The Old Southside Neighborhood Art & History Exhibit, curated by Dr. Susan B. Hyatt, professor emerita of Anthropology at the IU School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis, was on display on August 28, 2024, at the grand opening of the Rise on Meridian Apartments, located in the historic Old Southside area of Indianapolis.

The exhibit presents six themes illustrating the history of the Old Southside neighborhood, including “Jewish Migration,” “African American Migration,” “I-70 Splits the Neighborhood,” “The Institutions,” “The Businesses,” and “A Neighborhood Reunited.”

History and research of the Old Southside of Indianapolis

“The Neighborhood of Saturdays: Memories of a Multi-Ethnic Community on Indianapolis’ Southside” book cover.

Dr. Hyatt directed a university-community collaborative research project called “The Neighborhood of Saturdays” to explore the histories of Jewish immigrants from Europe and African Americans from the South to what used to be one of the most multi-ethnic neighborhoods in Indianapolis. “By 1890 Indianapolis’ near Southside was densely populated and had the highest percentage of foreign-born residents of any district in the city,” her research showed. 

IU Indianapolis students conducted oral history interviews and archival research to recreate a portrait of this distinctive area in Indianapolis. The Department of Anthropology at the IU School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis worked in partnership with several community-based organizations, including the Concord Neighborhood Center, Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation, South Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, the Southside Picnic Committee, the Old Southside Neighborhood Association, and the Stadium Village Business Association.

In 2010, this collaborative research resulted in the publication of “The Neighborhood of Saturdays: Memories of a Multi-Ethnic Community on Indianapolis’ Southside.” The book features oral histories, photographs, and other memorabilia from African-American and Jewish elders who were former residents of Indianapolis’ Near Southside, collected by IU Indianapolis Anthropology students.

Rise on Meridian apartment building

New apartment building honors the history of its neighborhood

TWG real estate development, construction, and management company honors the history of the neighborhood where their new Rise on Meridian apartment building is located by installing several display boards based on “The Neighborhood of Saturdays” that describe the businesses and culture that existed in the area. Visit the building at 915 South Meridian Street to take a look at the displays and the building.

Dr. Jeremy Price Named Faculty Fellow in the Office of Community Engagement

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We are pleased to announce that Dr. Jeremy F. Price has been appointed as a Faculty Fellow in the Indiana University Indianapolis Office of Community Engagement. This appointment recognizes Dr. Price’s contributions to community-engaged scholarship and his dedication to fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments.

About Dr. Jeremy Price

Portrait of Dr. Jeremy Price
Dr. Jeremy Price

Dr. Price is an Associate Professor of Technology, Innovation, and Pedagogy in Urban Education at the Indiana University Indianapolis School of Education. Until August 31, 2024, he served as the Director of the Collaborative for Equitable and Inclusive STEM Learning (CEISL). As a community-engaged public scholar-collaborator, Dr. Price is deeply invested in building capacity and capital in educational settings for marginalized and minoritized youth and communities. He led CEISL to forge and sustain partnerships with schools and families on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis and across the state.

His work focuses on preparing educators to use technology for just, equitable, and inclusive purposes that honor learners, their identities, and their communities. Dr. Price is also committed to providing educators with opportunities to examine and discuss critical topics such as race, religion, hate, and extremism.

A Vision for Community Engagement

Dr. Price’s approach to community engagement is rooted in the belief that meaningful change occurs at the intersection of families, communities, and schools. He works to co-construct social, cultural, and material infrastructures that sustain relationships, open lines of communication, and drive positive change.

In his own words, Dr. Price states, “What gets me up in the morning is the process of working within and across networks that converge at a place to co-construct infrastructures to facilitate more inclusive, equitable, effective, and meaningful learning environments.”

Fellowship Priorities

As a Faculty Fellow in the Office of Community Engagement, Dr. Price will focus on several key priorities:

  1. Carnegie Community Engagement Reclassification: The campus is applying for reclassification for the Carnegie Community Engagement designation. Dr. price will be assisting with data curation, analysis, and writing for the application, which is due April 1, 2025.
  2. CEnTR*IMPACT Implementation: Working with 3-5 community-engaged scholars to evaluate their projects using the Community Engaged and Transformative Research Inclusive Measurement of Projects and Community Transformation (CEnTR*IMPACT) metrics developed by Dr. Price.
  3. CEnTR*SEEK Development: Continuing to develop the Community Engaged and Transformative Research System for Extracting Engaged Knowledge (CEnTR*SEEK), a machine learning system to identify community-engaged research efforts across Indiana University.
  4. CUMU Community Engagement Huddle: Leading a Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) Community Engagement Huddle in 2025, focusing on institutional supports for community-engaged research efforts.
  5. IU Community Engagement Institutes: Helping plan the IU Community Engagement Virtual Institute in Fall 2024 and the in-person IU Community Engagement Institute in Spring 2025.

Alignment with the IU 2030 Strategic Plan

Dr. Price’s appointment as a Faculty Fellow and his commitment to community-engaged and collaborative participatory research aligns closely with the IU Indianapolis (IUI) 2030 Strategic Plan. This alignment underscores IUI’s dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships with local communities and advancing impactful, collaborative research initiatives. Dr. Price’s expertise and dedication will contribute significantly to strengthening the university’s ties with local communities and advancing the field of community-engaged scholarship in line with the strategic goals outlined in the IU 2030 plan.

IU Indianapolis students join Shepherd Community Center in the work to end generational poverty

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Donna Alexander (blue sweatshirt), director of volunteer engagement at Shepherd Community Center, working with student volunteers.

For over a decade, IU Indianapolis (IUI) students have served at the Sheperd Community Center to support their mission of eradicating generational poverty on the Near Eastside.

Shepherd Community Center, established in 1985, is a Christ-centered non-profit organization on Indianapolis’ Near Eastside that helps children and families break the cycle of poverty by meeting their physical, emotional, spiritual, and academic needs. Shepherd Community Center serves individuals and families on the Near Eastside across various ages and phases of life as individuals transition from poverty to stability.

About the Shepherd Community Center

Shepherd Community Center takes a holistic approach to alleviating poverty, grounded in a Christ-centered life of faith, with a posture of humility. The community center, located at 4107 East Washington Street, recognizes that there is no simple remedy for breaking the cycle of generational poverty, whether it is systematic or situational. For this reason, their relationship-based model focuses on ten fundamental assets: faith, health, support, stability, skills, models, advocacy, knowledge, future, and income.

The community center serves anyone who lives in the 46201 and 46203 zip codes that make up the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. Care for individuals and families is available year-round through the center’s broad spectrum of programs, including support for mothers and babies, the preschool and K-5 primary schools, the 1st-12th grade after-school and summer programs, scholarships, mentor support, access to food and healthcare, various types of counseling, public safety support, housing, and more.

IU Indianapolis Students play an important role in Center

Academic support and volunteer engagement have played a pivotal role in the partnership between IU Indianapolis and the Shepherd Community Center.

Andrew Green, assistant executive director at Shepherd Community Center.

Throughout this partnership, IU Indianapolis (which transitioned from IUPUI in 2024) students provided support to Shepherd through master’s level community and capstone projects. Shepherd’s assistant executive director, Andrew Green identified a “significant project” from 2017 that involved a capstone project involving various groups of master’s level students. The project developed a survey so Shepherd could hear from and understand the needs of the Near East community. Students assisted in the creation of the surveys, the collection of information through door-to-door visits, and the analysis of survey data. “It was a huge help to us,” Green added. The survey was used for several years.

Donna Alexander, the director of volunteer engagement, recalls a meaningful volunteer connection that was initiated by Natalie Back, a former Bridges International Ambassador staff member at IUI, who reached out to Shepherd about bringing a group of students to volunteer at Shepherd Community Center. The IUI students read to youth, assembled weekend packs of food for students to take home on Fridays, and assisted in the food pantry. The group came to volunteer in 2019 and again in 2021. “The students were very helpful and gracious in helping with the Academy here at Shepherd Community,” Alexander said.

Donna Alexander working with student volunteers.

Another student, Carissa, brought her IUI volleyball team to serve at Shepherd. “The group of ladies were very helpful in assisting with the set up for one of the largest events we hold each year, the Christmas Store,” said Alexander.  Following their initial experience serving with their team, several members returned to Shepherd on their own at different times for volunteer opportunities.

A substantial portion of these volunteer experiences were spent at the K-5 Shepherd Community Academy, a Christ-centered primary school that promotes each child’s physical, emotional, academic, and spiritual growth. “Having the IUPUI students to work with our Academy children was a big help,” said Green. “Having other interested people come and be a positive influence and build relationships with Academy children is a very important part of our programs at Shepherd Community.”

Shepherd highlights and impact

In partnership with Gleaners food bank, Shepherd staff and volunteers participate in weekly food deliveries to neighbors who are most in need. “We have the opportunity to increase food access for our neighbors by delivering food to those who are home bound,” said Green.

Volunteers serving in the food pantry outside of Shepherd Community Center.

“Additionally, we are excited about our new enrichment programs that involve our STEM lab and mobile Tinker Trailer,” said Green. The STEM lab is referred to as a “maker space,” where individuals can develop items including electronics, crafts such as Legos, IT/tech projects, and more. The Tinker Trailer is the portable lab that they bring into the community and offers similar types of projects. Students are also invited to use the maker space during the school day, after school, or during the summer to develop projects. “We are giving kids the opportunity to create and use their imaginations,” Green said.

Shepherd connects with families and individuals from the Near Eastside through various partner schools, community events, and social media. Families and individuals also reach out to Shepherd to connect and get plugged into opportunities. According to their 2023 year in review, “across all programming, services, events, and engagements, Shepherd Community Center served and built intentional relationships with 10,819 unique individuals, including children, students, seniors, and adults in our neighborhoods.”

Process of recruiting volunteers  

Adult volunteer reading a book to children in a classroom setting.

Throughout this partnership, Shepherd has offered numerous volunteer opportunities to students, staff, and groups from the university. On occasion, the university has initiated contact with Shepherd regarding volunteer or academic opportunities.

According to Alexander, IU Indianapolis students and organizations have also helped Shepherd recruit more volunteers by spreading the word about the organization and their volunteer experiences.

“Some of the best practices we have observed and believe are effective in helping students have not only a good volunteer experience, but to promote service as a part of their futures is incorporating the Poverty 101 curriculum from Shepherd,” said Green. Volunteers, businesses, and churches use this curriculum to gain a better understanding of what poverty looks like in the communities that Shepherd serves. “Through helping students learn about the way people think and operate in poverty closes the gap between people,” Green concludes.

Serve at Shepherd Community

Shepherd offers summer internships and year-long fellowships that provide the opportunity to train and form deep relationships with Near Eastside neighbors. Both programs are residential and require a background check. Summer internships pay $2000 for 8 weeks. Fellowships pay a $20,000 stipend for 12 months. Learn more about internships and fellowships.

If you or your group desire to make a meaningful difference in helping to end generational poverty, fill out the volunteer form. All volunteers are welcome.

Summer camp teaches high schools students entrepreneurship skills

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Student rehearsing her pitch
Student London Glass rehearses her pitch for her business, Gentle Steps Child Care.

The IU Indianapolis Entrepreneurship Boot Camp offers students a hands-on, week-long experience exploring what it takes to start up a small business. Through collaboration between the IU Indianapolis Office of Community Engagement, the IU Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis, and the IU Herron School of Art + Design, the Entrepreneurship Boot Camp was held from June 10-14, 2024, on the IU Indianapolis campus. Boot Camp attendance included seventeen students from two Indianapolis Public Schools – Arsenal Tech High School and Shortridge High School – ranging from incoming freshmen to graduating seniors.

During Boot Camp, students learned essential business skills such as visioning, research, planning, marketing, pricing, and budgeting under the guidance of instructor and Kelley School of Business faculty member Barb Cutillo. Herron School of Art + Design instructors provided insights into product design, branding, and prototyping. Local small business owners and experts shared advice with students based on what they have learned from their own experiences.

The IU Indianapolis Entrepreneurship Boot Camp emphasizes the importance of creative problem-solving, critical thinking, responsibility, communication, teamwork, professionalism, and research in any career path.

Boot Camp students received a salary stipend of $350 for the week, which they could invest in their business ideas, and had the opportunity to compete for additional funding during Pitch Day by presenting their business ideas to judges.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 IU Indianapolis Entrepreneurship Boot Camp Pitch Awards:

First place winner, Zaniah Davis, receives a check for $200 for her business, Z’s Kitchen.
  • First place ($200): Zaniah Davis for her business: Z’s Kitchen
  • Second place ($100): Marcella Lee for her business: Soul Kitchen
  • Third place ($75): Jocelyn McReynolds for her business: Jay’s Exquisite Hair Co.
  • Fourth place ($50): LaPree Key for his business: Lo Key Realty
  • Audience Choice Award ($150): Melanie Leocadio and Laila Brookins for their business: Juicy Jewelz, and London Glass for her business: Gentle Steps Child Care

A special thank you to our sponsors and funders: Fifth-Third Bank, Lilly Endowment, the Indianapolis Foundation, the IU Indianapolis Office of Community Engagement, the IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis, and the IU Herron School of Art + Design.

POSTPONED! Theater production the focus of university-community conference

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2023 CenterStage Theater Conference workshop at the IU Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis.

POSTPONED! The board of the Africana Repertory Theatre of IU Indianapolis (A.R.T.I.) has decided to postpone the CenterStage Theater Conference due to unforeseen venue accessibility conflicts and the resulting logistical issues. The intent is to reschedule the conference to a date this summer. Thank you for your interest and stay tuned!

Black theater has always been more than entertainment as it offers portals to view life through a Black prism. It is the distinction of stories told in authentic voices rather than by those on the outside looking in.

Actress Clarissa Todd in the OnyxFest 2023 play 5 MOODS OF BLACK ANGUISH.

The Africana Repertory Theatre of IU Indianapolis (A.R.T.I) will host its third annual CenterStage Conference Saturday, April 13th to explore critical aspects of theatrical production. The event will be from 8:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. at the Herron School of Art and Design Eskenazi Fine Arts Center, 1400 Indiana Ave., Indianapolis.

CenterStage is a one-day conference for those involved in every aspect of theater – creating access to expert resources to expand knowledge and enhance skills.

CenterStage is free to the public. Attendees are required to register in advance. The conference culminates with a luncheon keynote address and panel discussion on: “The Role of Black Arts in Addressing Our Current Sociopolitical Identities.”

2023 CenterStage Theater Conference at IU Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis.

Why the focus on Black theater? In the words of iconic playwright August Wilson:

“As an act of benevolence, many liberal-minded whites insist they don’t see color. We want you to see us. We are not ashamed. We have an honorable history in the world. We do not need the recognition of our blackness to be couched in abstract phrases like ‘artists of color.’ We reject that. We are black and beautiful. We are unique and we are specific.”

For questions about the CenterStage Theater Conference, email onyxfestindy@gmail.com. To register for CenterStage, visit Eventbrite.

About A.R.T.I. (Africana Repertory Theatre of IUPUI):

The Africana Repertory Theatre of IUPUI (ARTI) is a program of study offered by the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI, the School of Education and the IUPUI Office of Community Engagement using a multidisciplinary approach to “edutainment.” ARTI was developed to document and artistically reflect the history, cultural life, and politics of peoples of the African Diaspora. As a public arts initiative, ARTI has a deep commitment to and focuses on artistic and community engagement. Learning in the arts is invaluable at all stages of life, and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life may advance civic engagement while also creating a college and career pathway.

Use What You’ve Got Prison Ministry’s long-standing partnership with IUPUI enhances their ability to provide transportation and non-violence services

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Use What You've Got Prison Ministry. A Driving Force for Families.

Use What You’ve Got Prison Ministry is proud of their latest honor by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, where they received a ‘Neighborhood Spotlight’ award in December 2023! Cecelia Whitfield, CEO and founder of Use What You’ve Got Keeping Families Connected, Inc. Prison Ministry (UWYGM), attributes her long-standing relationship with IUPUI as one of the contributing factors in her organization’s continued success. UWYGM, founded in 1988, is a nonprofit focused on providing transportation for families and friends traveling to visit their incarcerated loved ones residing in state, federal, and juvenile correctional facilities in Indiana. The organization is founded on the belief that “children and families of the incarcerated are often the forgotten, hidden victims in the criminal justice system.”

UWYGM received the “Neighbor Spotlight” award from the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and was honored with a beautiful key to the Children's Museum on December 14, 2023.
UWYGM received the “Neighbor Spotlight” award from the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and was honored with a beautiful key to the Children’s Museum on December 14, 2023.

About Use What You’ve Got Prison Ministry

In 1988, Whitfield experienced heartbreak when a close family member was incarcerated and sentenced to prison. Transportation was not offered to and from any of the prisons at that time. During her visits, Whitfield would notice families struggling financially to visit their relatives and received requests to help them get back and forth. Whitfield decided to “step out on faith” and consider starting her own transportation business since she was already providing that service as an individual.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and Cecelia Whitfield while attending the Indiana Chamber Dinner in February 2024.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and Cecelia Whitfield while attending the Indiana Chamber Dinner in February 2024.

She first asked her mother’s opinion about whether she was suitable to start a business given her educational limitations. Whitfield’s mother said, “Oh, just use what you’ve got!” which became the name of her organization. That began her 35-year journey of transporting families from the Indianapolis area statewide to 18 male and female adult correctional facilities, federal prisons and juvenile correctional facilities. Moreover, federal inmates often have families that travel across the United States and sometimes abroad to visit their loved ones and rely on transportation services provided by UWYGM. Transportation is open to all families in need, includes wheelchair access, and fees are based on the ability to pay.

UWYGM featured on Fox 59 News (August 2021) in news story “Woman drives families to prisons, juvenile detention facilities.” (Left to right) Cecelia Whitfield, CEO and Founder of Use What You’ve Got Keeping Families Connected, Inc. Prison Ministry, ….
UWYGM featured on Fox 59 News (August 2021) in news story “Woman drives families to prisons, juvenile detention facilities.” (Left to right) Cecelia Whitfield, CEO and Founder of Use What You’ve Got Keeping Families Connected, Inc. Prison Ministry and her son James Lamont Whitfield.

In 1993, UWYGM expanded their services by holding a Christmas party to serve children and families of the incarcerated. A year later, the organization launched a women’s and men’s retreat at the French Lick Resort to provide family members of the incarcerated with a chance to get away for a weekend, out of their environment and offer them life skill classes. The organization also offers counseling and advocacy programs that provide family support through home visits, crisis intervention, a Speaker’s Bureau, referral services, and more.

The impact on families

UWYGM featured by WFYI Indianapolis (October 2017) in article “Grassroots Bus Service Brings Healing Touch To Inmates And Families.” “Janice McClain poses beside the Use What You've Got Prison Ministry bus, which connects people with their incarcerated family members. Photo: Emily Forman/Side Effects Public Media”
UWYGM featured by WFYI Indianapolis (October 2017) in article “Grassroots Bus Service Brings Healing Touch To Inmates And Families.”“Janice McClain poses beside the Use What You’ve Got Prison Ministry bus, which connects people with their incarcerated family members. Photo: Emily Forman/Side Effects Public Media”

UWYGM understands that incarceration can lead to the breakdown of the family bond. Whitfield cited a research study titled “The Effects of Prison Visitation on Offender Recidivism” by the Minnesota Department of Corrections that found, “Any visit reduced the risk of recidivism by 13 percent for felony reconvictions and 25 percent for technical violation revocations, which reflects the fact that visitation generally had a greater impact on revocations.”

The Minnesota Department of Corrections found that their research was in congruence with previous research studies that show visiting the incarcerated can aid in a positive reentry into the community and that more regular visits can reduce the probability of a prisoner re-offending.

According to the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council Re-Entry Policy Study Commission Report, “approximately 5,000 men and women are released into Marion County from prisons and jails each year.” About half had reoffended within three years. The report also found, “The cost of returning so many offenders to prison is more than $83 million. To reduce the recidivism rate by one percent would involve keeping a “mere” 46 offenders from returning to prison.” A UWYGM fact sheet concludes, “It’s about keeping families connected, improving public safety, and saving money.”

 

IUPUI partnership history

Teresa Bennett
Teresa Bennett

UWYGM’s partnership with IUPUI began in 2006 when Whitfield met Teresa Bennett, former director of the IUPUI Solution Center* and current assistant vice chancellor in the IUPUI Office of Community Engagement. Whitfield contacted the Solution Center for help in recruiting interns and staff for UWYGM.

Through the Solution Center, Whitfield was introduced to IUPUI PhD student Brandon Sanders for a one-year internship. As a graduate intern, Sanders helped UWYGM build their mission statement, goals, and objectives. He also helped establish the organization’s metrics. “He did it all!” said Whitfield. “He was amazing!”

In 2007, the Solution Center introduced Whitfield to Stacy Harding-March, a professional grant writer. “Every grant she wrote for us, we received,” Whitfield stated. Due to the success of her grant writing, the organization was able to hire a family advocate and a program director. Most recently, Harding-March wrote a grant proposal for UWYGM to the Indianapolis Foundation for $149,000 that was awarded. “That’s how good she is. She is the best!” Whitfield exclaimed.

Silvia Garcia
Dr. Silvia Garcia

Silvia Garcia, also formerly of the Solution Center and presently the director of research and assessment in the IUPUI Office of Community Engagement, has served on UWYGM’s board of directors since 2015. Garcia helped the organization re-write and update their strategic plan and create an organization chart that is still in use.

Dr. Roger Jarjoura
Dr. Roger Jarjoura

Dr. Roger Jarjoura, former criminology professor and Community Engagement Fellow in the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI, became a UWYGM board member in 2014 and served as the board chair. In 2017, Dr. Jarjoura helped to create a fundraising plan and wrote successful grants for UWYGM. Additionally, Jarjoura used data to support findings that the organization reduces crime. Whitfield accredited Garcia and Jarjoura for expanding their staffing and the purchase of an additional bus.

Thomas Brinks
Thomas Brinks

In 2017, Thomas Brinks joined the board. Brinks was retired from IUPUI and served on the board of IU Health during that time. Brinks is currently the president and CEO at Indiana University Health Occupational Services. Through his UWYGM board membership, Brinks recruited service-learning interns who were working on their master’s degree at the IU School of Social Work at IUPUI. These interns created policies as well as business and fundraising plans. “We wouldn’t have been able to create the different plans and policies without our service-learning students,” Whitfield said.

Susan Hyatt
Susan B. Hyatt

Susan B. Hyatt, professor emerita of the Department of Anthropology in the IU School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis, served on the UWYGM board from 2017-2021.

Dr. Khaula Murtadha
Dr. Khaula Murtadha

Throughout this partnership, Whitfield has worked with Teresa Bennett and Dr. Khaula Murtadha, associate vice chancellor in the Office of Community Engagement, on various projects and training experiences.

“IUPUI has been a blessing to us!” Whitfield exclaimed. “The need was great for someone who had no idea about not-for profit or businesses. I spent a lot of time at the Solution Center,” she emphasized. Through her relationship with IUPUI, Whitfield has learned the importance of always being prepared, to have open communication, that research should be implemented with diverse community leaders, and that “IUPUI has amazing, knowledgeable students.”

Whitfield has also shown her appreciation by recognizing Garcia and Bennett at the UWYGM Annual Awards Dinner. “Just her presence as a vice chancellor was wonderful and really was awesome!” Whitfield expressed.

Teresa Bennett speaking after receiving an award from Cecelia Whitfield at the UWYGM Annual Awards Dinner.
Teresa Bennett speaking after receiving an award from Cecelia Whitfield at the UWYGM Annual Awards Dinner.

IUPUI student supports non-violence program

In 2023, UWYGM received a $200,000 Elevation Grant from the Indianapolis Foundation to work with Black men ages 18-35 to reduce violence. The grant also allowed UWYGM to hire IUPUI student Natasha Dennison to work as a data specialist for a one-year, part-time internship. Dennison began her studies at IUPUI in August 2023 after receiving a full scholarship through the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust Scholar program.

"Use What You've Got Ministry" VISITATION Family Shuttle Bus Service. 317-924-4124
Natasha Dennison, IUPUI student

“As a general studies/liberal arts major with a concentration in social and behavioral sciences coupled with a minor in business, I am completely grateful for the opportunity to plunge deeper into human behavior, interactions with social structures, and the systems that impact society outside of the classroom,” Dennison said. “Through this internship with Use What You’ve Got Prison Ministry I aim to gain valuable knowledge and experiences that will influence the remainder of my educational journey and ultimately shape a career choice. Equipped with both lived and learned knowledge and experiences alongside an IUPUI education advocacy can be effective.”

Dennison will work with the UWYGM case workers and project director, creating data, surveys, and more.

“Ms. Cecelia is an amazing woman,” Dennison exclaimed. “To quote the founder of the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop (IPWW), whom I met in the Religion Behind Bars class last week, ‘she is a quiet force!'”

“I am very excited to have one of the awesome partnerships with IUPUI,” said Whitfield. “It’s a blessing to have this awesome partnership with one of the greatest schools I know of, and in my area, Lockefied Gardens.” Whitfield grew up in Lockefield Gardens, just across from IUPUI, at one point a vibrant community for African Americans in the city, as reported by WISHTV News (February 2023).

Now hiring

Inspired to help UWYGM further their work? UWYGM is looking to hire a social work or psychology student working on their master’s degree to serve as a case manager to support the Elevation Grant’s non-violence program. For students interested in working with Use What You’ve Got Keeping Families Connected, Inc. Prison Ministry, please email your resume to uwygm@sbcglobal.net. This position is also posted in Handshake as Job #8567293.

Annual Celebration Breakfast invite

UWYGM invites you to help families stay connected by attending their Annual Celebration Breakfast on April 25 at 7:45 a.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, 2535 North Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis. The speaker will be Mr. Rick Williams. This event attracts leaders from across the city and is a fantastic opportunity to get to know like-minded individuals. This breakfast is free for anyone to attend, and sponsorship packages are available.

UWYGM is also looking for vendors who want to share resources in mental health, addiction, housing, employment, and education at the breakfast. If you are interested in attending this event or being a vendor, please email uwygm.keepingfamiliesconnected@gmail.com by April 12, 2024.

* The Solution Center, created in 2004, connected IUPUI’s faculty and students to local businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations to create useful partnerships. In 2014, the Solution Center was merged with other IUPUI departments to create the IUPUI Office of Community Engagement.

IUPUI has a long history of engagement in the community, dating back to our establishment in 1969. We are one of the initial campuses to receive the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement in 2006, and it was renewed in 2015. We have received numerous other awards and recognitions over the years for our work in and with communities to make a difference through teaching, research, and service to improve the quality of life in Indianapolis and beyond.

 

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