Lilly Endowment Inc. grants $50,000 to Indy Reads for evaluation of programs 

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Reads announced today that Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded the organization $50,000 for an evaluation of its adult education programs.   

Lilly Endowment Inc., a private foundation based in Indianapolis, supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. Indy Reads will use this funding to evaluate its existing academic programs, ensuring they meet the needs of adult learners and align with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Central to this effort will be aligning Indy Reads’ current or updated program model, curriculum, and instructional methods with its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) values to support an inclusive learning environment that meets the complex needs of its adult learners, the majority of whom are English language learners. 

“We know that the need for Indy Reads’ programs throughout central Indiana is rising,” Ruba Marshood, Indy Reads’ chief executive officer said. “According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 7% of Marion County adults lack basic literacy skills. Adult literacy and language acquisition is a complex issue that requires strategies to address the needs of people with myriad life stories and linguistic, cultural, racial, economic, and educational backgrounds. We are honored that Lilly Endowment has awarded us this funding at this critical point as we grow and evolve to continue to meet the needs of our community.” 

### 

About Indy Reads 

Indy Reads builds literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and families to reach their full potential. For nearly 40 years, the nonprofit organization has worked toward a vision of 100% literacy for all. High literacy levels grant access to greater developmental, educational, and career opportunities. Current statistics show that 1 in 6 adults in Indiana read at or below a fifth-grade level. Through its Community Classrooms, Indy Reads helps adult learners increase their literacy and English language proficiency, prepare for their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, and build workforce skills to improve their employability and advancement potential. Indy Reads proudly serves adults of all literacy skills levels, including the most beginning-level. 

Skip to content