Real Momentum for Indiana. Real Impact for Students

Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education

The impact of our K-12 education system can be felt by everyone. A strong, connected K-12 system not only improves the lives of students — it strengthens communities, boosts economies, and fuels the talent pipeline on which businesses depend.

So, what does a strong, connected K-12 system mean? It means helping students ignite their fire of purpose, know their value, and understand the possibilities ahead. It means learning is relevant, applied, and aligned with real-world opportunities. It means preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed in life and excel in Indiana’s most innovative and rewarding careers. This connection is only possible when K-12, higher education, and employers work together to support each student’s unique path.

Today, Indiana has real momentum. And all of our progress has been driven by our people. In all corners of Indiana, Hoosiers are putting their hands in to be a part of the solution, whether that’s educators, parents/families, and/or business and community leaders. The goal is to stay laser-focused on doing what’s best for kids and building a stronger Indiana for the future.

Here’s a quick look at just some of what we are focusing on together in 2026:

• Accelerating literacy – Continuing to improve upon the significant growth we have already seen. This includes helping young Hoosiers learn to read by training more educators in science of reading instructional practices; as well as implementing a new, outcomes-based contracting model for middle school literacy, ensuring vendors only get paid when students experience real gains;
• Strengthening STEM pathways – Preparing students for future high-demand careers by developing a data science pathway, with a focus on technology and artificial intelligence advancements—this matters for talent development and the future security of our country;
• Expanding reading and math tutoring – Working to identify students who are struggling the most and provide additional learning support through $1,000 grants to families for tutoring services (Indiana Learns), and free or low-cost, high-quality summer learning opportunities (Summer Learning Labs);
• Expanding career advising – Supporting students to explore a variety of options, determine what best aligns with their unique goals and aspirations, and working with students to strategically develop a plan for how to get there; and
• Connecting K-12 students to what’s next (employment, enrollment, and/or enlistment) – Improving essential skill development by working with business and industry to expand work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities for students.

We’ll also continue to work together to ensure the skills and competencies needed today, and in the future, align with the credentials of value students are earning.

Indiana stands at a pivotal moment—we must continue to leverage the momentum and synergy we are seeing across the state today. As schools innovate, employers engage to be part of the solution, and the impact of AI rapidly changes our world, the work ahead is shared, and the impact will be maximized when we are working with urgency, together. So today, I thank each of you who have already partnered…and to those who are still considering, I encourage you to put your hand in with us as we continue to build an education system that strengthens our economy and provides real value for students. Full steam ahead!