AES Indiana and Marian University have announced a five-year partnership aimed at addressing education and literacy needs in Indianapolis’ near northwest area.
The utility company will invest $375,000 to support Marian’s Riverside Education Innovation District (REID), an initiative focused on expanding early childhood education and improving literacy rates.
The partnership was unveiled at the historic Larue Carter property, which is being redeveloped into a hub for lifelong learning. A portion of AES Indiana’s investment will fund renovations for St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center on the site, expanding access to affordable, high-quality preschool options for local families.
“Near northwest area families don’t have access to enough early childhood learning seats to serve their pre-school-aged children, and we are dedicated to closing this gap,” said Michelle Radomsky, executive director of St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center.
AES Indiana President Brandi Davis-Handy said the company’s commitment extends beyond providing electricity.
“We’re deeply invested in shaping a brighter future for Central Indiana through meaningful community partnerships,” Davis-Handy said. “This new collaboration will expand access to high-quality early childhood education, which is foundational for a more resilient community.”
In addition to early childhood education, the partnership will expand Science of Reading programming in area schools and offer adult training in evidence-based literacy practices. About 48% of students in near northwest schools pass the IREAD-3 exam, and nearly 16% of adults in the area lack a high school diploma.
Daniel J. Elsener, president of Marian University, said the effort aligns with REID’s mission to remove barriers to education “from cradle through career.”
He added, “We are grateful to AES Indiana’s partnership, which will not only help prepare children for success in school, but will assist Marian University’s efforts to physically invest in the vibrancy of the near northwest area.”
For more information, visit marian.edu.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
