United Way of Central Indiana announced tonight the four individuals from Indianapolis Public Schools who were named as Hubbard Life-Changing Educators. Each winner received a $25,000 prize.

Ten Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) educators out of 584 nominees have been chosen as finalists for this year’s Hubbard Life-Changing Educator Award, presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Now in its fourth year, the award honors teachers and principals who have made a significant difference in the classroom and in the lives of students.

The General Assembly voted to expand Indiana’s pre-k for low-income children with the passage of a pre-k expansion bill and approved a budget which includes an investment of $22 million per year in the next biennium budget.

We are pleased the General Assembly has voted to expand Indiana’s pre-k program with 112 bipartisan votes in favor, and we applaud lawmakers’ efforts to secure a sizeable funding increase so that many more children from low-income families will have the opportunity to access the strong start in school and in life that pre-k affords.

As the Indiana General Assembly continues to debate expanding pre-k, today the “All IN 4 Pre-K” campaign announced it has earned the support of 150 Hoosier businesses, associations, community organizations and elected officials across the state.

Glamorous philanthropists came from far and wide to travel down the rabbit hole into a world of whimsy at the 2017 United Way Red Carpet Gala at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Check out photos and video from the event below.

As Julie Bakehorn, IPS Arsenal Tech principal, sat at last year’s United Way Hubbard Life-Changing Educator Awards reception, her 11-year-old grandson held her hand. Both excited and nervous, they watched as outstanding IPS educators, including Julie, were awarded and videos of their inspiring stories played on the big screen.

United Way president and CEO, Ann Murtlow, answers important questions about pre-K.

United Way of Central Indiana has extended the submission deadline for the Hubbard Life-Changing Educator Awards to Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. Any teacher or principal from the Indianapolis Public School (IPS) system is eligible to win. Three teachers and one principal will be awarded $25,000 each, and up to six finalists will be awarded $1,000 each at a special ceremony in the spring.

A leader of the coalition advocating for a funding boost said the state needs to move beyond “pilot thinking.” To do so, lawmakers should commit at least $50 million per year to pre-K, Ann Murtlow, CEO of the United Way of Central Indiana, told IndyStar. 

What's it like to be singled out as a "life-changing educator" and handed a prize check for $25,000? Daphne Draa, one of the 2016 winners of the Hubbard Life-Changing Educator award, can tell you in one word - exhilarating. Find out how you can change the life of an IPS educator who has impacted you.

“Trent” arrived at St. Mary’s Child Center a sweet little boy, but tremendously shy. But his real struggle was at lunchtime; he wouldn't eat. Fortunately, a well-trained staff and a caring bus driver were there to help. Read Trent's story.

What’s it like to be singled out as a “life-changing teacher” and handed a prize check for $25,000? Daphne Draa, a teacher from the IPS Center for Inquiry School 2, can tell you in one word – exhilarating.

When Abby began volunteering as a United Way ReadUP tutor, she was partnered with Aries. “My first day I was very, very nervous and unsure of what to expect,” Abby admitted. But Aries’ lively and funny personality quickly put her to ease. Abby couldn’t wait to get to started.