Empowering foster youth, strengthening Ivy Tech
Two new laws that I sponsored last session were recently ceremonially signed by Gov. Mike Braun. These laws focus on empowering foster youth across the state and strengthening the mission of Ivy Tech Community College.
Senate Enrolled Act 15 elevates the voices of Hoosier foster youth by codifying the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and creates a process to ensure the voices of kids in Indiana’s foster care system are protected.
This new law ensures foster youth in Indiana are seen, heard and protected. Establishing a clear set of rights and responsibilities empowers them to advocate for themselves and build a strong and bright future.
Additionally, Senate Enrolled Act 254 updates Ivy Tech Community College’s mission, affirming its commitment to workforce preparation, economic development, dual credit and dual enrollment. This law reaffirms Ivy Tech’s place in Indiana’s workforce and economic development efforts.
Ivy Tech has long been a leader in workforce development, strengthening economic growth and expanding opportunity. This update reaffirms that commitment to ensuring more Hoosiers can access affordable, career-focused education.
Ceremonial bill signings showcase legislation passed during the 2026 session and are a way for lawmakers, stakeholders and those directly impacted to come together and reflect on how these new laws will benefit Hoosiers.
Summer Learning Labs continue for Hoosier students
Hoosier students will be able to receive high-quality reading and math instruction again this summer through the Summer Learning Labs. SLL is a free, five-week summer learning and enrichment program for students who will be in grades one through nine following summer break.
In 2021, the General Assembly established the Student Learning Recovery Grant Program to help young Hoosiers falling behind academically during the pandemic. Funding from that program launched the first Summer Learning Labs in Indianapolis, led by The Mind Trust and United Way of Central Indiana. The Indiana Department of Education joined with The Mind Trust to expand the project statewide after it showed significant academic progress in its participating students. This program is continuing this summer to help students thrive academically and provide additional support options.
For the last two years, students attending Summer Learning Labs achieved double-digit percentage point proficiency gains in reading and math. This summer, nearly 12,000 students are expected to participate in the program at no cost.
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 Education Progress (NAEP) rankings.
I encourage students to take advantage of this free resource and keep on learning this summer! To learn more about SLL, visit TheSummerLearningLabs.com.
State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) represents House District 39, which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
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