Dear Indy,
Our lead story this morning comes from higher education reporter Claire Rafford. She noticed that private colleges and universities were starting to offer a wider range of degrees and certificates beyond the traditional path of a bachelor’s degree.
So she wanted to learn why, and whether Indianapolis students were taking advantage of the new opportunities.
Here’s how the article begins:
Ruben Joachim had his heart set on attending Indiana University Bloomington.
But the 19-year-old said his hopes were dashed because of a problem with his in-state residency status. That’s when his school counselor told him about Marian University’s two-year program, called Saint Joseph’s College. Joachim was nervous about changing up the plan, but St. Joe’s was affordable, and he’d be able to get paid work experience while in school.
“Already, I’m getting that experience, building that credibility,” he said.
As private schools like Marian continue to seek ways to broaden their educational offerings, the lines blur more and more between academic programs from private universities and local community colleges.
That’s good news for students who want more options for higher education. It’s also a savvy financial move by small private institutions looking to boost student enrollment. Experts predict a future dip in enrollment due to declining birth rates.
Thirty colleges, mostly private regional schools, closed their doors in the first 10 months of 2023, according to the Hechinger Report. By growing beyond bachelor’s degrees to associate degrees, certificates and certification programs, private colleges seek to proactively fend off enrollment problems.
“Private universities do not have the backing of a state legislature,” said Tom Harnisch, vice president for government relations at the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, “and even missing their enrollment targets by a few students can have real effects.”
Continue reading the article here.
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In other news
- We have a bunch of updates from our local library system, starting with the news that the Glendale branch will reopen Saturday. But that’s not all, and you can read through our new article to learn some of the changes and new offerings — including an expanded collection of Braille books.
- The Black Church Coalition, an Indy grassroots organization, has been housed within the nonprofit Faith in Indiana. The coalition is now joining Live Free USA, a national group focused on reducing gun violence, mass incarceration and the criminalization of Black and Latino communities. “As we have grown, we believe it is time to step out on our own and partner with dynamic organizations that will help us expand our power,” LaNette Boone, central committee member of the Black Church Coalition, said in a statement. Learn more here.
- This Saturday, the Damien Center will host a summit for young people to discuss health, gender and sexuality. Topics will include gender-affirming care, HIV prevention, abortion access, intimate partner violence, human trafficking and LGBTQ+ mental health. “Our youth know what they face,” said organizer Nick Atkinson-Tavai, who referenced Indiana’s recent ban on gender-affirming care for minors. “But they may not know they have an amazing community of queer folks and adults that are here to support them.” More info about the summit is available here.
What’s going on around the city
- Saturday, March 30: You can travel to Oaxaca, Mexico without ever leaving Indianapolis! The Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., will host the 2024 Guelaguetza Mosaicos Festival from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors can see live performances from the Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos — which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year — browse through vendors’ tables and grab lunch from food trucks onsite. Free.
- Saturday, March 30: Fans of books and beer can celebrate the 10th anniversary of Books & Brews, 9402 Uptown Dr. at noon. Festivities include a storewide sale, live music and speciality food items. Free.
- Sunday, March 31: Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place, 1831 N. College Ave., is offering an Easter brunch starting at 10 a.m. From bottomless mimosas to Shaquille O’Neal-approved mac and cheese, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Meals start at $50.
— 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
- Chalkbeat Indiana: Lawmakers and education officials are working to expand college access across the state, but getting into college is just one step. Once the students are there, will they also be ready to stick with it?
- Axios Indianapolis: Air quality in Indianapolis stinks, but at least we’re not as bad as Columbus, Ohio.
- Ars Technica: Some Instagram users were alarmed to learn that political content is being limited on the app. It’s a change that the company made in February.
Notes from our Documenters
Documenter Anita Jackson covered the Warren Township school board meeting last week.
Laura Butgereit, coordinator of College and Career Readiness, School Counseling and Family Engagement, said counselors in the district are developing an approach that aims for students to be successful in three domains of school counseling: academics, college and career, and social-emotional development.
“Our goal is that 80% of our counselors’ time will be spent directly or indirectly with students,” Butgereit said.
Butgereit said she hopes to address the academic and behavioral needs of all Warren township students.
You can read Anita’s notes here.
— Ariana Beedie, community journalism director
Interested in being a Documenter? Here’s how.
Reflections
From 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Mirror Indy and Free Press Indiana staff will partner with the West Indianapolis Neighborhood Congress to help clean up a block.
We’d love it if you could join us.
And if you’re a westsider, make sure you corner reporter Enrique Saenz with your questions and suggestions for how we write about (and for) neighborhoods.
We’ll meet at the Legacy Funeral Home at 1604 W. Morris St. at 10 a.m. We’ll also have refreshments.
Ryan
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.