Marian University announced a new five-year partnership with AES Indiana to advance the work of its Riverside Education Innovation District (REID) and strengthen educational outcomes in Indianapolis’ Near Northwest community. The collaboration will expand access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education and improve literacy rates in the two critical needs of local schools in the neighborhood.
Through this partnership, AES Indiana is supporting Marian University’s vision to transform the historic former Larue Carter property into a hub for lifelong learning. Part of the investment will help renovate space for St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center, creating much-needed early learning seats for local families.
“Near Northwest area families don’t have access to enough early childhood learning opportunities to serve their pre-school-aged children, and we are dedicated to closing this gap,” said Michelle Radomsky, Executive Director of St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center.
In addition to early learning, the partnership invests in Science of Reading programming for neighborhood schools and adult learners. Just over half of students in the near northwest pass the IREAD-3 exam, and nearly 16% of adults lack a high school diploma. Marian University’s work through REID directly addresses these challenges.
Daniel J. Elsener, President of Marian University, emphasized the impact of the collaboration. “The Riverside Education Innovation District exists to remove barriers to education from cradle through career. With AES Indiana’s partnership, we can expand access to high-quality early learning, improve literacy, and make physical investments that uplift the near northwest area and its families.”
AES Indiana President Brandi Davis-Handy reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the community. “We’re deeply invested in shaping a brighter future for Central Indiana through meaningful community partnerships. This collaboration with Marian University allows us to expand access to foundational early childhood education in a neighborhood where we’ve long been committed to improving quality of life.”
The Marian University-led Riverside Education Innovation District is designed to improve third-grade literacy, increase lifetime educational attainment, and build a stronger local economy. By joining forces with AES Indiana, Marian University is advancing its mission to serve the community and prepare students—and families—for lifelong success.