VU receives Lilly Endowment Inc. grant for advancement of Science of Reading curriculum

December 14, 2023

VINCENNES, Ind. - Vincennes University has received a grant of $500,000 from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Advancing the Science of Reading in Indiana. The grant will support the Education Department in preparing future elementary educators to teach children to read.

Lilly Endowment launched the Advancing the Science of Reading in Indiana initiative in 2022. It complements a statewide effort undertaken in 2022 by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to improve reading achievement in K-12 schools by helping current teachers implement Science of Reading-aligned principles in their classrooms. In 2022, the Endowment made a $60 million grant to the IDOE to support that work with school districts and teachers across Indiana.

VU Provost Dr. Laura Treanor said, “The growth and prosperity of Indiana communities hinge on the presence of a literate and skilled workforce. Proficiency in reading serves as the cornerstone for all learning. Strong literacy skills empower individuals to actively participate in the workforce, contribute to innovation, and propel economic development. Vincennes University firmly believes that investing in literacy development, especially through initiatives like Lilly Endowment’s Advancing the Science of Reading in Indiana, is essential to secure a prosperous and thriving future for our region.”

The inclusion of Science of Reading in the curriculum for Education majors is crucial for VU to ensure that future educators are equipped with the most effective tools and strategies to teach reading to students that will support literacy growth. Likewise, VU believes it shares a larger responsibility to facilitate ongoing exploration and development of Indiana educators to better equip them to instruct in the key areas of the Science of Reading.

The University will utilize the grant to help update curriculum that aligns with the Indiana Department of Education’s initiative around the adoption of Science of Reading for all Indiana school corporations. VU’s implementation focuses on the Special Education Mild Interventions K-12 w/ Dual Licensure in Elementary Education K-6 bachelor’s degree program and Early Childhood Education- Preschool and  Elementary Education - Grades K-6 associate degree programs. VU also plans to create numerous professional growth opportunities to create connectivity amongst VU Education majors, current educators, VU faculty, and subject matter experts.

 “We extend our deepest gratitude to Lilly Endowment Inc. for their generous grant, which will undoubtedly catalyze positive change within our Education Department,” VU Education Department Chair Ann Herman said. “We look forward to leveraging this grant to enhance our efforts in providing cutting-edge education, empowering our faculty, students, and communities to reach new heights of academic excellence. Lilly Endowment investment not only strengthens our institution but also echoes their dedication to shaping a brighter future of education.”

By investing in VU Education majors, VU faculty, and local school corporations, the University is enacting lasting change that will ensure that Science of Reading is the standard for reading instruction while also creating a cadre of professionals who are knowledgeable and prepared to teach reading in the classroom effectively.

“As a teacher preparation program, VU has a robust system that allows individualized support and instruction of preservice teachers," VU College of Social Science, Performing Arts and Communication Dean Dr. Cynthia Ragle said. “The Education program is one in which students graduate and typically serve in local communities. This underscores the importance of our responsibility of how the Science of Reading matters, and how it works: by helping all children become confident and thoughtful readers.”

VU is one of 28 Indiana colleges and universities that received grants from Lilly Endowment to support efforts that integrate Science of Reading-aligned principles into teacher preparation programs.

“It is imperative that more of Indiana’s elementary students learn to read proficiently, and it is essential that current teachers and the next generation of teachers are prepared to use proven principles to teach reading in their classrooms,” said Ted Maple, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for education. “We are pleased therefore to help Indiana colleges and universities strengthen the use of these research-based principles to teach reading in their teacher preparation programs.”

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion, and it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

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