Trine students support writing and reading for charter students

Trine University and Education One, the university’s charter school authorizer, partnered again on Trine Pals, a program that allows charter school students the opportunity to trade letters with Trine students.

Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, students from four charter schools authorized by Education One participated. The focus of the program is to assist students in building reading and writing skills, and create experiences that connect them to higher education.

Timothy L. Johnson Academy, The Nature School of Central Indiana, Dynamic Minds Academy and Inspire Academy all participated this year, connecting with Trine students through letters, virtual correspondence and in-person visits.

The Dollar General Literacy Grant was awarded to Timothy L. Johnson Academy third-graders through Trine Pals. The school was able to provide books and other reading materials with every letter received to support their growth in literacy.

The grant provides support in implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs, purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives, and purchasing books, materials or software for literacy programs.

Over 80 Trine students participated in Trine Pals this year. They demonstrated proper letter writing and communication while sharing information about their chosen college pathway, hobbies or sports, as well as life on the Trine campus.

Ally Lung, university partnerships and marketing specialist for Education One, shared, “In my role, I have had the privilege to support students in the university and charter school space through the Trine Pals program. It is special to see the connections made between the students and the excitement of everyone involved.”

In the fall, Trine students visited The Nature School of Central Indiana and Timothy L. Johnson Academy to meet their pals and participate in a reading and writing activity. In the spring, students from Inspire Academy and Timothy L. Johnson Academy visited to ice skate, participate in an egg drop challenge in Trine’s makerspace, and participate in other academic activities conducted by the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences and Trine Student Government.

Kennedy Jester, student government president at Trine University, participated in Trine Pals with Inspire Academy this past year. Jester shared, “I have enjoyed participating in the Trine Pals program this year because it’s allowed me to act as a mentor for a child looking forward to their future. It’s been fun to connect with my pal on topics such as class, sports and popular media!”

To learn more about Education One and its charter schools, visit https://www.trine.edu/education-one/