Investing in Our Future: Marian University and AES Indiana Partner to Transform Early Childhood Education and Literacy
Investing in Our Future: Marian University and AES Indiana Partner to Transform Early Childhood Education and Literacy
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Published: October 14, 2025
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Education
Indianapolis’ Near Northwest Area is poised for a brighter future thanks to a new five-year partnership between AES Indiana and Marian University. This collaboration, part of Marian’s Riverside Education Innovation District (REID) initiative, brings a $375,000 investment aimed at increasing access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education and improving literacy rates in local schools.
Addressing Critical Needs
Families in the Near Northwest Area of Indianapolis face a shortage of high-quality early childhood education seats, limiting opportunities for their youngest learners. According to data made available through Early Learning Indiana, Marion County has about 98% of the capacity it requires, with just under 53% of available supply being high-quality. While areas east of the former Larue Carter property more closely mirror these county-wide averages, the area surrounding the property has less than 54% of the early learning supply it needs based on children in the area. Of the existing supply, about 57% are high-quality
The partnership will help renovate space at the historic former Larue Carter property, paving the way for St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center to offer Level Four Paths to Quality programming to more families in the Near Northwest Area of Indianapolis. By expanding early learning opportunities, the initiative is designed to help children start school ready to succeed.
Michelle Radomsky, Executive Director of St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center, highlighted the urgency: “Near Northwest Area families don’t have access to enough early childhood learning seats to serve their pre-school aged children, and we are dedicated to closing this gap.”
Building Stronger Communities Through Early Education
Research shows that access to quality early childhood education not only prepares children for academic success but also benefits families and the broader economy. Brandi Davis-Handy, President of AES Indiana, shared, “When families have access to quality early childhood education, parents can work, local businesses can hire, and communities thrive. AES Indiana is proud to invest in our customers and neighborhoods in ways that create lasting opportunity.”
Strengthening Literacy for Future Success
Beyond early learning, the partnership will invest in Science of Reading programming for Near Northwest Area schools and provide training for adults supporting student literacy. With a 48% IREAD–3 pass rate when the REID initiative was developed, these efforts are needed to help more children become confident, capable readers.
Daniel J. Elsener, President of Marian University, emphasized the long-term vision: “By expanding access to early learning opportunities and improving literacy rates, we are not only preparing children for success in school but also making a positive generational impact in our community and beyond.”
A Model for Community Revitalization
By focusing on foundational education and literacy, AES Indiana and Marian University are investing in both the immediate and future well-being of the Near Northwest Area. The renovated Larue Carter property will serve as a hub for lifelong learning, workforce development, and community engagement—demonstrating how partnerships can transform lives and neighborhoods for generations to come.
