Advancing the Near Northwest Area Through Educational Attainment and Investment
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).
This transformative initiative will be based just a few blocks from Marian’s campus at the former Larue Carter State Hospital on Cold Spring Road, constructed in 1931 as a United States Veterans Administration Hospital. The REID will be a partnership with the community, roughly located between 16th and 38th Streets on the south and north and Martin Luther King and Lafayette on the east and west, that will breathe new life into this storied campus. Over time, these efforts will transform the property into a hub for educational attainment and overall community advancement.
At the heart of the REID is a commitment to lifelong educational attainment and community revitalization. Marian University, an anchor institution in the NNW for nearly 90 years, 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 and Literacy Institute 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.
For more information about the Riverside Education Innovation District, please reach out to Chris Creighton, Vice President of Innovation and Growth at Marian University, at ccreighton@marian.edu.
© 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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