The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette has received a $7 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to address critical challenges in early childhood education and childcare in Tippecanoe County. The grant will fund programs in partnership with the Greater Lafayette Career Academy (GLCA), Right Steps Child Development Centers and Ivy Tech Community College.

This initiative will focus on creating pathways for people to pursue careers in childcare through education, hands-on training and practical experience. It also aims to retain childcare workers by offering better pay and financial incentives for those who stay in the field long-term.

"One of the key roles in the foundation is community convening and leadership,” says David Lasater, James Kirby Risk Endowed President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We are proud to support an important issue facing Greater Lafayette. Accessible, high-quality early education and childcare are essential for the well-being of children and families and play a pivotal part in driving economic growth by supporting workforce sustainability and expansion throughout Greater Lafayette.”

GLCA will play a key role in the initiative by offering an Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship program. “This program not only provides a workforce development solution but also helps aspiring educators save on educational costs and time,” says Miranda Hutcheson, director of career and technical education at GLCA. “By collaborating with community partners, we’re creating a sustainable program with lasting benefits for students and the families they serve.”

There are currently eight students in the pilot apprenticeship program. Hutcheson hopes to expand that to 30 next school year.