The Mind Trust

🍎 Legal Prep Charter Academy Indy, a new middle and high school opening in downtown Indianapolis this fall, is currently enrolling sixth and ninth graders. The school teaches a standard curriculum layered with "lawyerly skills" like oral advocacy, critical thinking, and reasoning. Hear more about the school's unique model from Sam Finkelstein, Founder and CEO, and Darius Hillsman, Assistant Principal, on Life.Style.Live!: https://lnkd.in/dHsY94Pg

Last week, The Mind Trust's CEO Brandon Brown was a featured speaker on the main stage at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' National Charter Schools Conference in New Orleans. He participated in a fireside chat titled "How Indianapolis is Building the Next Generation of Public Schools," which explored how the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation came to be, what this new body is responsible for, and how other cities can enact similar systemic change.

Washington Irving Neighborhood School (WINS), a preK–5 school on Indianapolis' near-east side, works in tandem with the community to create a sense of belonging for their students and families. In addition to extracurriculars for students, the school offers programing outside of the classroom––including health care and mental health support––for families in conjunction with John Boner Neighborhood Centers. Learn more about WINS from Penny Guthrie, Director of Enrollment, and Brandon House, Principal, on Indy Now: https://lnkd.in/dMbM-TUv

Congratulations to The Mind Trust's Emerging Leaders Fellow, Justin Kirby! Justin is the PreK–2 Assistant Principal of Academics at Indiana Math and Science Academy West in Indianapolis and is part of the fellowship's fourth cohort; learn more about him here: https://lnkd.in/dFBGMr_F Emerging Leaders Fellows engage in a three-year, cohort-based experience that includes in-person and virtual training sessions, school visits, and opportunities to learn from national and local education leaders. Learn more about the current cohorts of Emerging Leaders Fellows: https://lnkd.in/gMufBzwr

☀️ We are celebrating year three of Summer Learning Labs, which replicates Indy Summer Learning Labs across the state in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education. This year, nearly 12,000 Hoosier students are enrolled across 117 sites! We are grateful for our anchor partners who are bringing this program to their regions: CREATING AVENUES FOR STUDENT TRANSFORMATION INC, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor, and Wabash County YMCA. Learn more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/dFem63mW

Congratulations to The Mind Trust's Emerging Leaders Fellow, Makayla Imrie! Makayla serves as the Humanities Instructional Coach at Christel House Watanabe High School in Indianapolis and is part of the fellowship's fourth cohort; learn more about her here: https://lnkd.in/dAex5VEc Emerging Leaders Fellows engage in a three-year, cohort-based experience that includes in-person and virtual training sessions, school visits, and opportunities to learn from national and local education leaders. Learn more about the current cohorts of Emerging Leaders Fellows: https://lnkd.in/gMufBzwr

Congratulations to The Mind Trust's Emerging Leaders Fellow, Karina Calvillo-Brown! Karina serves as an Instructional Coach at Vision Academy @ Riverside in Indianapolis and is part of the fellowship's fourth cohort; learn more about her here: https://lnkd.in/eyjaPZju Emerging Leaders Fellows engage in a three-year, cohort-based experience that includes in-person and virtual training sessions, school visits, and opportunities to learn from national and local education leaders. Learn more about the current cohorts of Emerging Leaders Fellows: https://lnkd.in/gMufBzwr

✅ Applications for the South Carolina Charter Founders Fellowship are due July 1! The University of South Carolina College of Education, the South Carolina Children’s Fund, and The Mind Trust are excited to offer the South Carolina Charter Founders Fellowship to support exceptional leaders who are committed to expanding high-quality public education in South Carolina. Fellows will gain the expertise and connections needed to launch strong, sustainable public charter schools. Fellowship benefits include: - Tuition-free program & stipends - Cohort-based learning & customized support - Expert guidance across key topics for charter school leaders - Programming aligned with your leadership & strategy goals Learn more and apply at SCcharterfounders.org.

Though the morning hours at Indy Summer Learning Labs sites are dedicated to academics, learning doesn't stop in the afternoon; it just looks different. At Pride Academy West's site, afternoon enrichment time means learning how a DJ's equipment works (and dancing!); building a DNA double helix out of licorice, toothpicks, and marshmallows; picking up the basics of banking and investing; exploring colleges and universities; and so much more! Thank you to the Pride Academy West staff for having our team out for a visit!

Grow your leadership skills and deepen your impact with the IndyEd Leadership Network, a cohort-based professional development program designed to support emerging leaders in Indianapolis charter and innovation schools. FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS • Free to attend, and open to any Indianapolis charter or innovation school educator • High-quality, in-person sessions covering personal leadership, positional leadership, people leadership, and systems leadership • Four Saturday sessions, 10 am–2 pm Learn more and register by August 28: https://lnkd.in/d7Tn_idD

It's hard to believe we're about to close out the first week of Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL)! Yesterday, we stopped by the ISLL site at Paramount Schools of Excellence Englewood and found students engaged in a classroom discussion around character development in a novel, strengthening their long division skills, and learning how to calculate tax and tips. Thank you, Paramount Englewood staff, for hosting us!

Congratulations to The Mind Trust's Emerging Leaders Fellow, Miranda Brookshier! Miranda serves as the Advanced Programs Coordinator at Believe Schools Indy and is part of the fellowship's fourth cohort; learn more about her here: https://lnkd.in/gEauJrM8 Emerging Leaders Fellows engage in a three-year, cohort-based experience that includes in-person and virtual training sessions, school visits, and opportunities to learn from national and local education leaders. Learn more about the current cohorts of Emerging Leaders Fellows: https://lnkd.in/gMufBzwr

If you're attending the National Charter Schools Conference (National Alliance for Public Charter Schools) in New Orleans, we hope you'll join us for a featured conference session on landmark systemic changes in Indianapolis. Panelists will discuss how the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation was created and what transferable insights other cities can take to enact change and foster collaboration to solve challenges around school transportation, facilities, funding, and accountability. Panel Title: How Indianapolis is Building the Next Generation of Public Schools Date: Friday, June 26, 2026 Time: 9:45 – 10:45 AM Location: Great Hall B Moderator: Patrick Dobard, Partner, City Fund Panelists: Brandon Brown, CEO, The Mind Trust and Scott Bess, President & CEO, Indiana Charter Innovation Center We hope to see you in New Orleans!

We're excited to kick off the first week of Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL)! As of the first day of the program, more than 5,300 students are enrolled and will receive free, high-quality summer education and enrichment. Learn more about ISLL and its impact on students in our blog: https://lnkd.in/gZR5zPP7

Four Indianapolis educators have been selected to join The Mind Trust’s fourth cohort of the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, a three-year program designed to support emerging school leaders as they grow their impact in classrooms, schools, and communities across Indianapolis. "This cohort represents the passion, talent, and leadership already present in our schools, and we are excited to support each fellow as they continue developing the skills and confidence to lead meaningful change in their communities.” —Dr. Tianay Perrault, Senior Director of Indiana Fellowships at The Mind Trust. Read about the cohort: https://lnkd.in/dtGgdgNP

Today is the first day of the 2026 Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL)! This morning, thousands of Indianapolis students walked through the doors at 60 sites across the city for the start of this free, five-week academic and enrichment program. Now in its sixth year, ISLL is operated by The Mind Trust and is supported by schools, districts, and community organizations across Indianapolis. Learn more about the program: https://lnkd.in/gXeV6GT9

‼️ Indy Summer Learning Labs enrollment closes TODAY at 6 pm! Visit our enrollment page at https://lnkd.in/gpq73Ab4 and follow the steps below to enroll your child in this FREE academic and enrichment program for Marion County students entering grades 1–9 in the fall. - On our enrollment page (https://lnkd.in/gpq73Ab4), scroll down and click on the "2026 Program Site Directory" button to find site locations, grades served, hours, fees, and other details that can help you choose your perfect site. - Click on the "2026 Student Enrollment" button once you've chosen your site and follow the steps to enroll. Some grade levels and sites may not show up in the site directory if they are full. Please reach out to the contact listed in the site directory for questions about individual site details.

The most recent episode of the National Charter Schools Institute's Bold by Choice podcast asks: What does it take to change the trajectory of educational opportunity in a city? Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust, sat down with hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner to discuss what it means to pursue lasting systems change, build coalitions around a shared vision, and remain committed to expanding opportunity for students over the long term. Listen to the podcast here: https://lnkd.in/dwWh-VMN

🗞️ PROUD Academy, led by The Mind Trust's North Star Fellow David Brown, was featured in the New Haven Independent for offering a free three-day summer program at the Ansonia Nature Center in partnership with The Mind Trust. Read the story here: https://lnkd.in/dpiuUeyn

Thank you to the American College of Education for sponsoring breakfast for our 350+ instructors as they train up for another season of Indy Summer Learning Labs! We appreciate your partnership as we kick off a summer of learning and enrichment.

Pull up a chair and grab your coffee. One of the things we love most about the Bold by Choice podcast is that every conversation leaves us thinking long after the microphones are off. This week, Jim and Vashaunta sit down with Brandon Brown of The Mind Trust for a conversation about leadership, courage, and what it takes to create lasting change. It's honest. It's thoughtful. And it's one we think you'll be talking about afterward too. 🎧 New episode drops tomorrow. Subscribe now and join us. https://lnkd.in/eGY6DGti

Thank you to the Rock Community Center for Youth & Children (JEWEL Human Services) for hosting Indy Summer Learning Labs’ (ISLL) teacher training this week! The Mind Trust and our ISLL team appreciate your support and partnership.

‼️ Indy Summer Learning Labs enrollment closes on Thursday, June 11 at 6 pm! But there's still time to enroll your child in this FREE academic and enrichment program for Marion County students entering grades 1–9 in the fall. How to find your perfect site AND enroll: 1. Visit our enrollment page https://lnkd.in/gpq73Ab4 2. Scroll down and click on the "2026 Program Site Directory" button to find ISLL locations, grades served, hours, fees, and other details that can help you choose the site that best works for your family. 3. Click on the "2026 Student Enrollment" button once you've chosen your site and follow the steps to enroll. Some grade levels and sites may not show up in the site directory if they are full. Please reach out to the contact listed in the site directory for questions about individual site details.

✅ Parents and caregivers: If your student has been waitlisted for Indy Summer Learning Labs, be sure to check your email for updates to your student's application status!

A new statewide analysis by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University found that Indiana charter schools posted greater academic gains post-COVID than traditional public schools, even after accounting for demographics and chronic absenteeism. Read about the results in Chalkbeat Indiana: https://lnkd.in/dtcs9MxM

Congratulations to Libertas Academy Charter School on a phenomenal College Signing Day! Ninety-six percent of Libertas seniors applied to four-year colleges, and 100 percent were accepted, collectively earning more than $10 million in scholarships. Families, community partners, staff, and students celebrated alongside the school's rocking drum line. Modesto Montero-Forman, North Star Fellow with The Mind Trust and Libertas Founder and CEO, told his graduates: "This is not the end. This is the beginning. And now you need to persist."

A new study by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University reveals that by 2024, Indiana public charter school students had regained their pre-pandemic achievement levels in math and surpassed their pre-pandemic achievement levels in ELA, while traditional district school students lag behind their pre-pandemic achievement levels in both subjects. Especially noteworthy: the study shows that low-income students, and those who were academically low-performing prior to the pandemic, made statistically significant gains in ELA and math in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Learn more in our blog: https://lnkd.in/dP9yJ4Gx

A fantastic opportunity for school founders, and future school founders, to build tuition-free public charter schools in Mississippi communities that need them most.

A new study from the Annenberg Institute at Brown University reveals that Indiana public charter school students have made significantly greater post-pandemic learning gains than their peers in traditional district schools. Black public charter school students' gains were especially impressive, with students realizing statistically significant improvement in ELA and math each year from 2022 to 2024. Their academic growth accelerated annually, leading to a 10 percentile point increase within just one school year. Read our blog to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dP9yJ4Gx

This fall, Believe Schools Indy is launching a second school inside its Believe Circle City High School campus located just north of downtown Indianapolis. The new public charter school, Believe Accelerator, is designed for learners who are not interested in traditional school, may be at risk of dropping out, or who want to graduate early. Learn more in Chalkbeat Indiana: https://lnkd.in/d7VXEe-n

The Mind Trust's Shannon Williams, Lauren Peterson, and Dr. Tianay Perrault served as presenters at the 7th annual Global Special Education Associates' (GESA) "Speddy" Awards, red-carpet gala celebrating educators, paraprofessionals, therapists, administrators, and advocates across the special education community. Thank you for your strong support of our community, Shannon, Lauren, and Dr. Tianay!

According to a new report from the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, students enrolled in Indiana's public charter schools have made significantly greater post-pandemic learning gains than their peers in traditional district schools. As of 2024, Indiana public charter school students have regained their pre-pandemic achievement levels in math and surpassed their pre-pandemic achievement levels in ELA. Read our blog to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dP9yJ4Gx

Join ninth grader Kiontae as he navigates a typical day at The Match High School, where classes like biology, English, computer coding, and esports share his schedule. "At The Match we are always being pushed to learn in new ways and to think bigger. In my classes, we work together, challenge each other, and are encouraged to ask questions. ... There are opportunities here that I never thought I'd have at school." —Kiontae For 20 years, The Mind Trust has worked to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education that will help them reach their full potential. With support from The Mind Trust, schools like The Match can increase their academic impact and strengthen the communities they serve.

The first cohort of The Mind Trust's Emerging Leaders Fellows has completed their three-year fellowship! We are thrilled by their development as leaders and are excited to see how they impact students, schools, and our community in the coming years. Congratulations to Mary Brody, KIPP Indy Public Schools; Avience Brown, Victory College Prep; Stephanie Cahue, Circle City Schools; Jessica De La Cruz, Adelante Schools; and Ciara Jones, Avondale Meadows Middle School, on this huge accomplishment!

🎉 The Mind Trust was recognized as a Best Place to Work in Indiana at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's annual Best Places to Work Dinner! 🎉 Read about the rankings here: https://lnkd.in/gcEwpSgr

The Mind Trust was proud to support Victory College Prep's High Flyers Awards and the students and community partners who were celebrated at the event. This year, 12 graduating seniors were awarded a combined $21,000 in College Bound Cash for earning A's and B's in their dual-credit college courses. Congratulations to all of the honorees!

A new study from the Annenberg Institute at Brown University found that Indiana public charter school students made significantly greater post-pandemic learning gains than their peers in traditional district schools. The gains were largest for Black, low-income, and academically low-performing students. Learn more about their findings our blog: https://lnkd.in/dP9yJ4Gx

The Mind Trust was proud to sponsor the Asian American Fest, presented by the Asian American Alliance Inc., in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! The event brought together the community for cultural arts, music, food, and wellness, and our staff was excited to connect with the families who stopped by Indy Summer Learning Labs' and Legal Prep Indy's tables.

Follow second grader Ashton through a school day as he builds a robot, paints, learns about currency around the world, and more at Christel House Academy West. "If I don't understand something, my teachers help me and they show me how to get better. ... I love being at Christel House because my friends are here and I really like my teachers."—Ashton For 20 years, The Mind Trust has worked to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education that will help them reach their full potential. With support from The Mind Trust, schools like Christel House can increase academic achievement and strengthen lifetime outcomes.

Dynamic Minds Academy, a K-12 public charter school on Indianapolis' northeast side, has been supporting students on the spectrum since 2019. The school is co-located with an ABA therapy center, making it easy for students to receive necessary care––speech therapy, physical therapy, mental health, occupational therapy––all while getting a quality education that prepares them for their future careers or college. Learn more about Dynamic Minds Academy from Samantha Bandy, Education Director, and Aaron Wallace, Associate Education Director, on Fox 59 Indy Now: https://lnkd.in/dXj3cq3E

☀️ There's still time to enroll your child in Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL)! ISLL is a FREE academic and enrichment program for Marion County students entering grades 1–9 in the fall. How to find your perfect site AND enroll: 1. Visit our enrollment page https://lnkd.in/gpq73Ab4 2. Scroll down and click on the "2026 Program Site Directory" button to find ISLL locations, grades served, hours, fees, and other details that can help you choose the site that best works for your family. 3. Click on the "2026 Student Enrollment" button once you've chosen your site and follow the steps to enroll. ‼️ Spots are filling quickly! Some grade levels and sites may not show up in the site directory if they are full. Please reach out to the contact listed in the directory for questions about individual site details.

☀️ Indy Summer Learning Labs is enrolling now! Sign your Marion County student up for FREE academic and enrichment programming this June and July at one of 60+ locations across Indy. How to find your perfect site AND enroll: 1. Visit our enrollment page https://lnkd.in/gpq73Ab4 2. Scroll down and click on the "2026 Program Site Directory" button to find ISLL locations, grades served, hours, fees, and other details that can help you choose the site that best works for your family. 3. Click on the "2026 Student Enrollment" button once you've chosen your site and follow the steps to enroll. ‼️ Spots are filling quickly! Some grade levels and sites may not show up in the site directory if they are full. Please reach out to the contact listed in the directory for questions about individual site details.

The Mind Trust is proud to celebrate National #CharterSchoolsWeek with the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools! Across the country, public charter schools support students from all backgrounds by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in college, careers, and life.

The Mind Trust is proud to be an underwriting sponsor of the Indianapolis Business Journal's Education Power Breakfast! We are excited to join local business leaders, policymakers, and education experts as they discuss Indiana's talent pipeline, the value of a college degree, and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.

High-quality instruction is available to Hoosier students again this summer through Summer Learning Labs (SLL). Last year, nearly 12,000 students across Indiana attended this free, five-week academic and enrichment program and achieved double-digit percentage point proficiency gains in both reading and math. Learn more about SLL in our blog: https://lnkd.in/gsGFNPqX

Join The Mind Trust and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools in celebrating National #CharterSchoolsWeek! Public charter schools are always free, open to all, and are a vital part of the American education landscape. Today, nearly 4 million students are served by 8,140 charter schools and campuses nationwide, and charter school enrollment continues to rise even as the overall school-age population has declined. #WeAreCharter

Interested in learning more about the South Carolina Charter Founders Fellowship? Join the University of South Carolina College of Education, the South Carolina Children’s Fund, and The Mind Trust for an in-person information session about this one-year fellowship designed to support exceptional leaders as they expand access to high-quality public education in South Carolina. Tuesday, May 19 from 5:30–7:30 pm at UofSC’s Pastides Alumni Center. The session will cover: • Fellowship benefits, including stipends, national learning experiences, and more. • Programming content for founders and future founders tracks. • Application process and deadlines. Please register at: https://lnkd.in/gDHBGATp

At The Mind Trust's latest convening of Education Next–Indy, a program that inspires high school students to consider careers in teaching, students explored how political advocacy and policy shape education. Led by Kurt Waywood, The Mind Trust's Director of Talent and School Growth, and moderated by Kim Ransom of Yellow Hat Consulting, students heard from a panel of experts that included Indiana State Rep. Bob Behning, David Buyze of the Indiana State Board of Education, Shaina Cavazos from the Mayor's Office of Education Innovation, Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski of Marian University's Klipsch Educators College, and Betsy Wiley of the Institute for Quality Education. This was the final Education Next–Indy convening of 2026 and a powerful reminder that great educators don't just teach, they advocate. The Mind Trust looks forward to growing this program's impact across Indianapolis next year.

Last Friday, The Mind Trust Connecticut (TMT CT) team joined the Alliance for Connecticut Charter Schools at "Brass City Day” at the Connecticut state capitol. Our staff was honored to witness Dr. Barbara Ruggiero, founder and executive director of Brass City Charter School, being recognized by both the Senate and the State House of Representatives for her incredible dedication to, and impact on, education in her community. The Mind Trust is committed to supporting excellent schools and school leaders, like BCCS and Dr. Ruggiero.