INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A program that provides Hoosier families who qualify $1,000 to spend on math and English tutoring has been expanded.

That’s according to the Indiana Department of Education, who announced that more Indiana students will now qualify for the funds. The program, which began in 2022, initially was only eligible to 4th and 5th grade students, and will now be available to students in 3rd through 8th grade.

“We know from our 2023 ILEARN proficiency results, and the ongoing academic impact/recovery analysis, that our middle school students in particular need strategic learning support and interventions,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “This newly released data was the determining factor in the expansion of Indiana Learns, which will now include middle school students, in addition to the elementary school students already eligible. This will allow parents and families, who may not otherwise be able to pay for high-dosage tutoring, to access these opportunities for their students and provide them the additional support they need.” 

In addition to the expanded student eligibility, the following program updates are also effective July 2023: 

• Increase in awards for all students with established accounts to $1,000
• Families establishing new accounts will receive $1,000
• Families can re-apply for funds after the initial award has been spent
• School corporations can serve as learning partners, providing tutoring support direct to students, without the match requirement
• Expansion of service opportunity to include tutoring during the school day (e.g., during lunch or any instructional period except reading or math) 
• Individual schools within a school corporation can now apply to serve as learning partners

Families interested in possibly signing up can check their student’s eligibility can do so online here. Families will need to enter a student’s student test number (STN) and date of birth to verify eligibility. Parents can locate their student’s STN on their ILEARN score report or by reaching out to their school’s registrar or office staff. For questions call 317-203-9236.