One website that provides access to and information about emotional and educational support, food assistance, health and medical services, COVID-19, summer camps, and housing and financial assistance. No way, Yes way.
The Education Support Hub—educationsupporthub.com—is a one-stop shop for educators, parents, students, and members of the Muncie community to access essential information about physical and mental health, nutrition, online learning, and technology support.
The Ball Brothers Foundation supported this virtual partnership among Ball State University, Muncie Community Schools, the Indiana Academy, and Burris Laboratory School. Jane Wiechel, the project manager, said the site offers free email subscriptions, links to social media feeds, and forms to request assistance or suggest updates.
“We want to get the word out about this tremendous resource for the community, and we want to work with the community to continue to expand and improve the site,” she said. “It’s a portal to connect to each other and make life a bit easier for people wanting to know more about summer camps, financial assistance, mental health resources and more. One holistic site for academic and social wellbeing is a gift.”
The many critical resources for students and families, include:
- Information about the 21st Century Scholars Program, which provides up to four years of undergraduate tuition assistance to income-eligible students participating in colleges or universities in Indiana.
- Tips for early learning and development for children.
- Links to COVID-19 testing and resources, including the Indiana COVID-19 Dashboard.
- Access to free at-home learning.
- A list of area food assistance programs and delivery sites.
- Public Wi-Fi locations across the region.
- Links to the Indiana Departments of Education and Health, which offer more in-depth information about initiatives and programs for Hoosiers.
The site pairs national and local information, resources, and voices. Dr. David McIntosh, an associate dean for Faculty Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at Ball State, is among the area thought- and community leaders, parents, and students who contribute to the site’s blog, which features a range of topics. McIntosh focuses on how to support learning and social/emotional support while others, like Shafer Leadership Academy’s Executive Director, Mitch Isaacs, penned a heartfelt post about giving yourself and others grace during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The website is a place for us as parents and community-engaged citizens to gain access to all the information we might need to help our kids and others achieve success in the classroom and in life,” said Isaacs, who has two teenagers at Burris Laboratory School. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked with fellow parents or felt myself that we need a one-stop resource shop. This is it, so let’s spread the word and contribute to building the site.”
Wiechel said Education Support Hub leadership is eager to connect with parents and community members to gather lists of resources and events, including summer camps and after-school programs. Connect with the Education Support Hub on Facebook or Twitter @MuncieEdSupport, as well as on the website that provides a link to email questions, comments and information.
