Latest news with #IndianaUniversityNorthwest
Chicago Tribune
02-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
NWI Summer Learning Labs ready for second year of diminishing learning loss
Bolstered by last year's success, the Northwest Indiana Summer Reading Labs state-funded program aimed at preventing learning loss has expanded from 22 to 30 sites and expects to enroll 900 to 1,000 students. Deborah H. Black, of the education nonprofit DHB and Associates and the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, saw their program funding increase from $1.2 million to $1.5 million, Black said Monday. The enrollment deadline is June 16. Information is available at The five-week, free academic and enrichment summer program for children in grades 1-9 runs from June 23 to July 25 with sites primarily in Gary, but also Hammond and East Chicago. The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based education nonprofit developed the program and launched it in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Education last year. Children in Northwest's program saw double-digit gains in English/language arts and math in post-tests, Black said. The program is interviewing and still hiring teachers for the 4-1/2-week classes, Monday-Thursday. Training is available at Indiana University Northwest and online. Black agrees with the Summer Labs' core philosophy that stresses achievement over remediation. 'I think we have to stop defining our students' learning needs as remediation,' she said. 'Just see what they need and go.' She said the paradigm of micro classes of five students to one teacher encourages social and emotional support along with academic needs. Black said students enjoyed last year's program which included field trips and college visits. 'Students didn't want to leave,' she said. Because her business is a small nonprofit, Black praised the Urban League for stepping up as a co-sponsor. Academically Yours — 5696 Broadway, Gary, 219-282-8105, Grades 1-4 Spark Steam Ahead — 8438 Indiana St., Merrillville, 219-384-4630, Grades 1-6 Apostle Church of God's Love — 5549 Sohl Ave., Hammond, 219-256-0127, Grades 3, 5, 7, 8 ASW Foundation — 650 S. Lake St., Gary, 219-238-9996, Grades 1-5 Christ Center Church — 719 Clark Road, Gary, 219-805-1108, Grades 1-9 Circle of Love Family — 1802 Columbus Dr., East Chicago, 219- 794-5290, Grades 1-6 City of Gary — 455 Massachusetts St., Gary, 219-886-7099, ext. 36900, Grades 1-3 Flourish Church — 3935 Cleveland St., Gary, 773-217-3368, Grades 1-4 Glen Park Academy — 5002 Madison St., Gary, ctreadwell@ Grades 1-6 (GPA students only) H.O.M.E. Mentoring and Tutoring — 3637 Grant St., 219-613-4837, Grades 1-5 House of God Church — 3545 W. 20th Place, Gary, 219-381-5635, Grades 1, 5-8 Institute for Leadership and Performance Improvement — 3401 W. 5th Ave., Gary, 219-730-6903, Grades 2-5 Israel Metropolitan CME Church — 2301 Washington St., Gary, 219-883-3859, Grades 2-7 Indiana University Northwest — 3400 Broadway, Gary, 219-985-5553, Grades 1-9 Lake Ridge Schools — 3601 W. 41st Ave., Gary, 219-718-2885, Grades 5-8 (LR students only) New Hope Church — 2307 Rhode Island, Gary, 219-318-7184, Grades 1-9 New Mount Olive — 427 W. 23rd Ave., Gary, 219-427-8058, Grades 5-8 New Seasons Church of Gary — 2281-2289 Taney St. Gary, 219-225-6448, Grades 1-5 New Shiloh Baptist Church — 1727 W. 15th Ave., Gary, 219-944-7670, Grades 4-7 Oak Knoll Renaissance Apartments — 4200 W. 23rd Court, Gary, 219-262-8105, Grades 1-9 Peace of Mind Academy — 3948 Georgia St., Gary, 219-455-9096, Grades 3, 4, 8 Peter's Rock COGIC — 2765 Van Buren St. – Gary, 847-561-4290, Grades 1-4 Project Rebuild — 411 Montgomery St., Gary, 219-808-0106, Grades 1-6 Rising Stars Academy — 5201 Broadway, Gary, 219-201-0770, Grades 2-4 St. John — 2457 Massachusetts St., Gary, 219-886-7769, Grades 3, 4 St. Timothy — 1600 W. 25th Ave., Gary, 219-718-1112, Grades 1-9 Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church — 3634 W. 11th Ave., Gary, 219-810-3900, Grades 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 The Mustard Seed Center — 1947 W. 15th Ave., Gary, 219-716-3071, Grades 1-3 YWCA of Gary — 150 W. 15th Ave., Gary, 219-881-9922, Grades 1-5
Chicago Tribune
14-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Special day for hundreds of IU Northwest grads, families
The youngest of nine children and the third to earn a college degree, Cindy Torres stood before hundreds of fellow graduates and their families Wednesday to share her insight. Indiana University Northwest officials selected Torres, 21, a business major, to deliver the student address at the university's 59th commencement ceremony held outside on the campus' north side. The Lake Central graduate, who lives in Schererville, talked about meeting academic goals, personal loss, and staying focused on the future ahead. She concluded her speech in Spanish, offering thanks to her family for their support. Torres has already lined up a job in the human resources department at grocery store Strack & Van Til, based in Highland. Torres, who graduated with high distinction, said she stayed close to home because she was nervous to try a new environment. What sealed the deal were several scholarships she earned at IU Northwest. 'With all the scholarships I received, I had my entire tuition covered so I will be graduating debt-free.' Navy veteran Bronson Bigbie, 28, of Lowell, served as a mass communications specialist, including his last post on the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier. He finished his degree in three years, taking an extra course load. Bigbie graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and a degree from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He's heading to the Maurer School of Law at Indiana University. IU Northwest made sense for Bigbie. 'I wanted to stay close to home and it was affordable. It had the degree that I thought was best for me – public affairs.' His busy schedule continues in October when he marries Haley Feiler, of Highland Park, Illinois, who is graduating from IUN with a master's degree in the fall. Destinee Winger, 22, of Portage, has already launched a dessert business for showers and special occasions. Her dream is to open her own bakery in Portage. 'It would be tough, but it's just in my heart,' she said. Winger is president of her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority where she received its 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award last year. Meanwhile, Jodi Garcia, of Hobart, held roses and a teddy bear for her daughter Ella Garcia who received a degree in biology. Jodi Garcia, dean at Longfellow New Tech Elementary in the Lake Ridge Schools, said her daughter will soon take the exam for admission into medical school. Nearby, Apples Cullum Knapp, of Hobart, anxiously searched the lines of gowned students trying to find her daughter, Sierra Vasquez, 29. A brass quintet played 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' as Knapp talked about her daughter. 'She's getting a BS in nursing and is already working at the hospital in Hobart,' she said. What she couldn't quite grasp was Sierra's decision to marry her long-time boyfriend Michael Carpenter at 2 p.m. at the courthouse in Crown Point, just a few hours after graduation. 'I can't believe she's getting married,' Knapp said. 'It's such a wonderful day! I couldn't be more proud of the woman she has become. She's my rock.' IUN officials said the Class of 2025 received 24 associate, 472 bachelor and 90 master's degrees. The youngest graduate was 20, while the oldest was 66 with women making up 76% percent of the graduates. Of all the IU campuses, IU Northwest has the highest percentage of first-generation college students at nearly 30%. It also has the most underrepresented students of color at 46%.
Chicago Tribune
12-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Kids College registration and cancer counselor training
Indiana University Northwest will host Kids College, a free two-week, on-campus summer enrichment program from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9 through 20 at 3400 Broadway, Gary. With the theme 'My Story. My Voice,' the program is designed to inspire and empower middle school students—especially those from historically underrepresented and low-income backgrounds. Participants will choose one of six 'majors,' led by Northwest faculty, staff, students and local community partners: medicine; visual arts; performing arts; technology; civic leadership; or business. Capacity is limited to 70 students on a first-come, first-serve basis who meet the eligibility requirements: students receiving free/reduced lunch who are enrolling in the sixth, seventh or eighth grades at the start of the fall 2025 academic year. Registration deadline is Thursday. Register at For more information, contact the IU Northwest Kids College team at kciun@ or 219-980-7299. Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point will host Pink Ribbon Connection, a free peer counselor training for breast cancer survivors. The goal of the new program is to connect patients and survivors. Training will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday at Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point on the third floor of the Burrell Professional Center, 1205 S. Main St., Crown Point. Enter through Door D. A complimentary pizza and salad dinner with soft drinks will be served. Peer counselors offer emotional support and a source of comfort for anyone undergoing breast cancer treatment. Participants in the peer counseling program need not be Franciscan Health patients. To register and for more information, call 219-757-5741. The Gary Public Library will host a variety of upcoming programs for the community. MakerSpace sessions at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., include: 3-D printing from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and on May 21; Arts from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, and on May 19 and 21; Cricut from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and on May 22; Open Lab Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and on May 23; Sewing 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday and on May 20 and 22; and Small circuits from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 20. Registration is required at 219-886-2484, Ext. 332. Check the library's website, for a list of exact dates or changes to the schedule. The public is invited to attend the final concert of the library's Sunday Jazz Concert Series from 3 to 5 p.m. on May 18 at the Main Library. Co-sponsored by the Greater Gary American Jazz Association, special guest will be the Thomas A F Matecki Band featuring Thomas Matecki, keyboard and flute; Di Kobe Berry, vibes; Ronald Dennis, drums; and Reginald Johnson, bass. Free Sunday Jazz Concerts are presented the third Sunday of each month, September through May. Entrance is on the north side only, free parking in the north parking lot. The library will be closed, no library service will be available. Seating is limited. The Woodson Branch, 501 S. Lake St., will host local author Ben Clement from 5 to 6 p.m. May 22. The longtime Gary resident will share one of his children's books in a live reading and a Q&A session. Call 219-938-3941 for more information. Valpo Shows will launch their newest event: The Memorial Day Market Craft and Vendor Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 24 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 25 at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso. More than 140 vendors will showcase their unique crafts and artisanal goods, from handmade treasures to one-of-a-kind finds. The event will include a dedicated children's activity corner, entertainment, food trucks and a HDTV giveaway, with the drawing to be held at 2 p.m. on the 25th. Winner need not be present to win. General admission is $5; seniors and U.S. veterans $3; and children younger than 12 are free. More information is with Mark Halliar at ValpoShows@ The annual Dunes Dash 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. on May 31 on the trails of the Indiana Dunes National Park at West Beach, 376 North County Line Road, Gary. An Indiana Dunes National Park pass will be required to enter the parking lot. A park pass may be purchased at the gate, in advance on the registration page, or in-person at the Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center, 1215 N. State Road 49, Porter. All funds raised will be used to support Save the Dunes mission to enhance and protect the biodiversity of our natural spaces through advocacy, conservation and community engagement. Race registration is now open at
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gary's Seniors on Edge as Tariffs Threaten Their Savings
On a recent weekday afternoon, the Gary Public Library's community room was filled with dozens of seniors seeking community, friendship, and a game of bingo. For members of the Senior Citizens Friendship Club, it's a welcome escape from the stress and uncertainty of daily life. It offers a brief window to laugh, unwind, and connect with others. 'Trump ain't getting this,' one woman said as she walked out the door, waving her bingo winnings envelope. A lighthearted joke to some, and for others, a reminder of how deeply national politics are starting to affect their everyday lives. Since President Donald Trump announced this month he would raise tariffs on imports from China and other countries, the economy has become increasingly volatile. The stock market has dipped, 401(k)s and other retirement accounts have experienced recent losses, and inflation has driven up the cost of everyday goods. Many Gary seniors and retirees say they are worried about how the economic shift will impact their livelihoods and financial security. 'We've worked hard for years and proved ourselves for our Social Security and pensions,' Irene Lay said. As a retired 83-year-old, Lay relies solely on her pension and Social Security check. If either is cut, she said, she doesn't know how she'll get by. 'It's gonna be a terrible deal to withstand,' she said, shaking her head. A lifelong Gary resident, she fears how these new changes will affect many of her friends. Mattie Whittler shared the sentiment and scared feelings on what changes could look like for each individual and the city. With almost 15% of the city's population age 65 or over, many people depend on income from programs like Social Security and retirement funds. 'It has crossed my mind, and if he did that, it would be devastating,' Whittler said, referencing potential cuts to Social Security. Living on a fixed income, she said the thought of losing benefits has been unsettling. While the 75-year-old hasn't started implementing or considering a budget yet, the uncertainty of the future scares her. With the back-and-forth on the tariff talks with countries like China, she can only hope that something is done without affecting her and other seniors' benefits. 'He must have missed government class because tariffs are paid by the American people,' she said. 'You can't tell another country what to do; he wouldn't want anyone telling us what to do.' Valerie Lee, senior group president with the Senior Citizens Friendship Club, said she is glad the group is around to foster social interactions between seniors in the city and provide them with a space to discuss topics like these. 'Don't act like it's an entitlement program,' she said, as she cleaned up the room after the meeting. 'This is a program that we've paid into for years and years, and now you want to change it and do this and that. We're not pleased with that.' Micah Pollack, an economics professor at Indiana University Northwest, said inflation and rising prices would have a significant impact on retirees if tariffs take effect. 'It's going to affect everybody, but especially retirees on a fixed income,' he said. 'Those higher prices are going to eat into your budget much more rapidly.' In anticipation of the upcoming tariffs, Pollack recommended people start cutting their budgets and try to save a little more now, so when the time comes, it won't affect them as much. He said making changes early can help prevent financial shortfalls. For those nearing retirement, Pollack encouraged people to know what their retirement benefits will look like in the long run. That includes understanding the type of retirement plan they will have between pensions and 401(k), how inflation and the cost of living will affect it, and how the stock market will impact the money they receive monthly. Still, Pollack said tariffs could possibly bring some long-term benefits to the Gary economy. 'Generally, stricter tariffs on steel are beneficial for Americans and the steel industry, which tends to be beneficial for the city of Gary,' he said. While some economists see possible gains for the local economy down the line, residents like Lee remain focused on the immediate uncertainty. Lee said her pension and other benefits are OK at the moment, but it's something that she's been thinking about over the past few months. Her daughter is among the millions of Americans affected by the cuts to her 401(k) and is scrambling to see what can be done in the future. She joked about going back to putting money in her mattress to make sure that every dollar she had worked for was where it was supposed to be. 'I just want to be heard,' she said. 'We are seniors, and we will be heard.' The post Gary's Seniors on Edge as Tariffs Threaten Their Savings appeared first on Capital B Gary.
Chicago Tribune
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Lake County prosecutor accepts award from Katie Hall Educational Foundation
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter has accepted the 'highest award' from the Katie Hall Educational Foundation, named after the former U.S. Congresswoman who later plead guilty to federal mail fraud and extortion charges. Carter did not respond to multiple requests for comment, including about why he chose to accept the award. On April 5, Carter received the Katie Hall Public Service Award, which Junifer Hall said is because of his 'outstanding contributions to public service' and status as the first Black Lake County prosecutor. Junifer Hall is Katie Hall's daughter and one of the foundation's leaders. In 2003, as Gary city clerk, Katie Hall pleaded guilty to four of 22 federal counts of mail fraud, extortion and racketeering for making workers raise money for her re-election campaign to keep their jobs. Katie Hall did not go to prison, but Junifer Hall served 16 months, according to Post-Tribune archives. Katie Hall was the first Black congress member to be elected from Indiana, and she sponsored a 1983 law that made Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. Katie Hall died from cancer in February 2012 at 73 years old, according to Post-Tribune archives. The Katie Hall Educational Foundation was founded in September 2012, Junifer Hall said, and it's a 'living memorial' for her mother. 'The Katie Hall foundation has since 2013 been honoring public servants across the nation and world who have contributed to improving the lives of our citizens, whether they are local, national, regional or international,' Junifer Hall said. Funding for the foundation comes primarily from local citizens, Junifer Hall said. Tickets for the foundation's annual awards luncheon were $100 per person, according to the Katie Hall Educational Foundation's Facebook page. For the past three years, the foundation has also received financial support from Indiana University Northwest, Junifer Hall said, adding that the family has nine degrees from the school. IUN did not confirm if the university donates to the foundation. According to ProPublica, no information on the organization's revenue, expenses, total assets and total liabilities are available. The website also doesn't have a Form 990 — an annual form allowing organizations to be exempt from income tax — on file for the Katie Hall Educational Foundation since December 2014.
