Why is it needed?
Obtaining a college degree is the primary route for Black Americans to obtain financial independence. However, black children are not represented in the college readiness programs that will allow them to excel. This is largely due to them not excelling in school. The Indiana Department of Education 2024 ILEARN stats reports that only 13% of black students were proficient in the English portion of the test in the IPS district, compared to 35% of the white students. About 11% of the black students were proficient in math compared to 31% of the white students. Ultimately only 6% of black students were proficient in English and Math. This is something we feel is completely unacceptable and is the backbone of this research.
What is the goal?
The goal of this initiative is to prove to black parents that tutoring is something parents must invest in not only for the betterment of their children’s future but the black community in Indianapolis as a whole. Ultimately, this research will provide evidence to support the educational programs in the country that aim to support black students so that they can acquire funding.
Why Young and Vibrant Tutoring?
Young & Vibrant Tutoring already has an established reputation with the educational community in Indianapolis. We believe in the mission, and we want to partner with this organization to bring tutoring to the communities that need it the most in Indianapolis. The organization currently offers online one-on-one tutoring to its students and has experience dealing with all outside factors of the arrangement. This research mutually aligns with STARBLK’s and Young & Vibrant’s vision, mission and purpose which makes it an exceptional partnership.
What is the plan ?
STARBLK believes that 2 days a week of one-on-one online tutoring will help the English and Language Arts and Math proficiency of black students.
Sample Group – 30 IPS students between grades 3 and 8 who are taking the ILEARN exam April 2026.
Method – Young & Vibrant Tutoring will provide one-on-one tutoring to 30 students for 1 hour, 2 times a week for the 2nd half of the school year for 14 weeks until ILEARN.
Communication – STARBLK will get weekly updates on each child in the program, the updates will align with what is already provided by Young & Vibrant Tutoring to the parents but may include grades from teachers or parents.
Compensation – STARBLK will compensate for the services provided by Young & Vibrant Tutoring. Each compensation payment will be accompanied by a written acknowledgment from Young & Vibrant Tutoring. This acknowledgment will include the amount of cash contributed, a description of the use of the donation.