The Facts
Fig. 1
Equity Considerations
To ensure funding is distributed in equitable ways, ECI has equity goals. These goals are used as a lens on who to consider first for grant funding. This framework helps to ensure rural and urban schools are given first priority in funding decisions. No school is denied funding based on equity considerations.
Prioritization Measure & Goals:
60% Free & Reduced Lunch recipients
50% Students Identified as BIPOC
12% Students living with Disabilities
ITSC Grant Equity Consideration Comparison
INDIANA THRIVING SCHOOLS CHALLENGE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING:
66%
Students identified as B.I.P.O.C.
14.3%
Students identified as having disability
71.1%
Free & Reduced Meal participation
Fig. 2
The Indiana Thriving Schools Challenge retention
The key to a successful program is the ability to keep relationships with the schools for the long haul. The goal of our program is to not just assist with sustainability projects but to help shift the culture of schools. Below you’ll find how many schools return to the program after their first year. We are proud of what our Indiana schools and students have been able to accomplish.
ITSC Program Retention
Fig. 3
ITSC Projects Breakdown
The Indiana Thriving Schools Challenge has morphed and shifted since it’s inception but has always centered youth led sustainability projects. One thing we have learned is that when working with schools, you must be flexible. Below you will find the breakdown for each year of the program of projects within the three pillars of the ITSC program: school gardens, energy & waste reduction and curriculum support.
It should be noted that from 2022-2024 school garden projects were supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
ITSC Projects Breakdown
Summary
The Indiana Thriving Schools Challenge does what it can at every turn to support our schools in their sustainability dreams. We recognize that not all schools have access to the same resources and we want to ensure that we are doing what we can to create change not only in Indiana but in students’ lives. The program has learned to shift with the changing tides of our education system and will continue to do so as needed.