Marian University has been an anchor institution in the Near Northwest Area (NNW) community since it was relocated here by the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg in 1937. Marian, in partnership with NNW, is spearheading the Riverside Education Innovation District (REID), and initiative to:
The REID will be a partnership with the community, located in the historic Riverside area of Indianapolis, known as the Near Northwest. Boundaries roughly run north to south from 38th Street to 16th Street, and east to west from Kessler Boulevard Drive to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street.
At the heart of the REID is a commitment to lifelong educational attainment and community revitalization. Marian has long been dedicated to the economic, social, and cultural upliftment of this neighborhood. The REID initiative embodies this commitment by partnering with local schools, community organizations, and residents to advance educational attainment in the NNW.
In addition to investing in the NNW’s physical structures, Marian’s Center for Vibrant Schools, powered by Klipsch Educator's College, will collaborate directly and walk alongside NNW schools to advance literacy rates and overall educational attainment for students. Currently, approximately 48% of students in NNW schools pass the I-READ assessment in third grade. Through these efforts and other educational services provided by partnering organizations, REID will address the vital metrics of literacy and overall educational attainment to advance NNW quality of life.
The success of the REID is built on the foundation of strong partnerships. We have engaged a diverse group of stakeholders including residents, community leaders, businesses, non-profits, government officials, educational institutions, service providers, and others to ensure that the district serves core needs of the residents in the NNW. These engagements include, but are not limited to, the following:
Together, we are working to establish an education ecosystem that extends beyond the classroom, providing comprehensive support to students, families, and the broader community. From literacy initiatives to adult education, the REID will be a resource for learners of all ages, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and personal growth.
The Riverside Education Innovation District is more than a physical space—it is a vision for the future of education in the NNW. As we move forward, we remain committed to creating an environment where education is accessible and attainable to all. Through the continued engagement of our partners and the active participation of the community, the REID will serve as a beacon of opportunity and transformation.
Join us in shaping the future of education in the Near Northwest Area. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors who proudly call this neighborhood home.
© 2024 Marian University
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.
Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.
Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.
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