Indiana Expands Free Summer Learning Labs for Students

Indiana lawmakers are highlighting continued progress in student achievement as a statewide summer learning initiative returns to serve thousands of Hoosier students. State Rep. Beau Baird is encouraging families to take advantage of the Summer Learning Labs program, a free, five-week academic opportunity designed to help students strengthen reading and math skills during the summer months.

Expanding Opportunity Through Summer Learning

“Hoosier students will be able to receive high-quality reading and math instruction again this summer through the Summer Learning Labs,” Baird said, noting the program is open to students entering grades one through nine after summer break.

The Summer Learning Labs program was launched as part of a broader effort to address academic setbacks that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Baird supported the Student Learning Recovery Grant Program, established through legislation authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara and co-authored by lawmakers including Rep. Martin Carbaugh.

“In 2021, I supported the Student Learning Recovery Grant Program to help young Hoosiers falling behind academically during the pandemic,” Baird said.

That funding led to the creation of the first Summer Learning Labs in Indianapolis, an initiative spearheaded by The Mind Trust and United Way of Central Indiana. Following early success, the Indiana Department of Education partnered with The Mind Trust to expand the program statewide.

Proven Results for Students

Since its launch, the program has demonstrated measurable academic improvement among participants. According to Baird, students who have taken part in Summer Learning Labs over the past two years have achieved significant gains.

“For the last two years, students attending Summer Learning Labs achieved double-digit percentage point proficiency gains in reading and math,” he said.

This summer, nearly 12,000 students are expected to participate in the program at no cost to families, offering both academic instruction and enrichment opportunities.

The success of Summer Learning Labs aligns with broader academic gains seen across the state. Baird pointed to recent statewide assessment results as further evidence of progress.

“These results follow Hoosier third graders earning a nearly five percentage point increase in literacy rates on the 2024-2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment and the state placing sixth in the country for fourth and eighth grade reading in the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) rankings,” he said.

A Continued Focus on Academic Recovery

The Student Learning Recovery Grant Program, funded with $150 million from the state’s general fund in 2021, was designed to support programs like Summer Learning Labs by requiring participating organizations to develop targeted learning acceleration plans and report on student outcomes.

Lawmakers say the continued investment reflects a commitment to ensuring students not only recover from pandemic-related disruptions but also build a strong academic foundation moving forward.

“This program is continuing this summer to help students thrive academically and provide additional support options,” Baird said.

Encouraging Participation

With enrollment underway, Baird is urging families to consider enrolling eligible students in the program.

“I encourage students to take advantage of this free resource and keep on learning this summer,” he said.

Families interested in learning more about the Summer Learning Labs program can visit thesummerlearninglabs.com for additional details and enrollment information.