Dear Indy,
Higher education reporter Claire Rafford wrote about an IPS program to prevent “summer melt”, a term used to describe the many high school seniors who intend to go to college but never enroll.
Here’s how her story starts:
When Chantell Gilmore graduated from Arsenal Technical High School this spring, she thought the hard part was over.
She already had committed to going to Purdue University Fort Wayne in the fall. But soon after the 18-year-old graduated, she started getting emails from Purdue about problems with her application and financial aid.
That’s when she got another email from Indianapolis Public Schools reminding her about the district’s “summer melt” program, which provides counseling to help high school graduates transition to college. Gilmore reached out to her counselor, who helped her sort out her enrollment, financial aid and housing.
“Without it,” Gilmore said, “I would have still been stuck.”
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In other news
- In case you missed it: Photographer Jennifer Wilson Bibbs captured moments of far east side pride last weekend at the annual Far Eastside Festival, which featured food, vendors and entertainment. See anyone you know?
- A community center will open Aug. 12 on Commercial Drive near the former Lafayette Square Mall. Economics reporter Tyler Fenwick says programs will focus on workforce development, health and wellness, youth, safety and financial literacy.
- In yesterday’s newsletter, we introduced you to a preschool reading program. Well now, we also have an Instagram Reel. Take a peek.
Today’s weather from WTHR
We are on repeat this week. It will be hot and humid with a few storms today.
— Angela Buchman, WTHR meteorologist
What’s going on around the city
- Friday, Aug. 2: Indiana Landmarks will present “The Outsiders,” a gallery featuring self-taught Indianapolis artists, from 6-9 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave. The show will include paintings, sculptures and other media. Free.
- Saturday, Aug. 3: Indy Black Professionals and AfroBall Indy will host the third annual AfroFest from 6-10 p.m. at The Park at the Phoenix, 705 N. Illinois St. The celebration of African culture, music and community will include live music and food. Tickets start at $10.
- Wednesday, Aug. 7: Legendary blues musician Buddy Guy will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St. The 87-year-old will perform on the free stage, which guests can access with the price of admission to the fair. Tickets are currently discounted at $13 through 11:59 p.m. tonight.
— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
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What else we’re reading today
- WISH-TV: FDA recalled produce sold from Weirs Farm at Indiana Kroger stores over possible listeria contamination.
- Indiana Capital Chronicle: The lieutenant governor candidates for each major party will face off in a debate on Aug. 13. They’ll be talking about agriculture and rural issues.
- Chalkbeat Indiana: The state seems poised to require high schools to offer both work experience and college-level courses. But some educators are concerned over whether that’s feasible for schools and students.
Arts & Culture
You’ve heard of Black and Women’s History Month or Haitian Heritage Month.
It’s likely that you’ve observed Mental Health Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, too.
These observances are meant to help us understand challenges we might not share and to be better neighbors as a result.
Although July — Disability Pride Month — is over, there is much to be learned and admired from two arts organizations working year-round to improve the lives of people with disabilities living in Indianapolis.
ArtMix and Limitless Ability build community through art but also have the simple goal of enriching the lives of an often overlooked group.
“A lot of disabled care is focused on the workforce, but the population that this organization is targeting is generally not a group that’s going to be working. So how can we enrich their lives? With art and community,” said Conner Edwards, who runs Limitless Ability.
— Jennifer Delgadillo, arts and culture editor
Want to explore more of our city’s vibrancy? Find more arts and culture coverage here.
Reflections
My wife, Steph, and I made a day trip to Kings Island last week. I love roller coasters. This was my first time riding Orion, the big new(ish) steel coaster. It was worth the wait. But the Beast is still the best.
I can’t wait until the kids are old enough to ride a roller coaster.
Chris
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at chris.sikich@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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