Strosacker Early Learning Fellowship
The Strosacker Early Learning Fellowship (SELF) is a four-part series of presentations from national experts, live mini TED-style talks and speeches from local business leaders about their involvement with early learning. Fellows engage in discussions, small group work and consider ways to apply the ideas across Northwest Indiana. At the end, the Fellows commit to an action plan.
Topics include brain development, high quality early learning and economic development and the connection to workforce development. Fellows work with the speakers and classmates to build a network to promote early childhood development.
SELF equips a cadre of community and business leaders with the knowledge, tools and strategies to advocate for investment in high quality early learning – for communities, families and children.
SELF is made possible by the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation Endowment for Early Childhood Education at Purdue University Northwest.
“It is rare to see a program that actually moves minds and hearts and motivates people to action. This program is outstanding.
More people need to be at these tables.”
— Brienne Hooker,
Executive Director, Newton Jasper Foundation, Inc.
Meet the 2024 Early Learning Fellows
Curt Bowers | Vice President, Wintrust Indiana
Sam Burgett | Police Social Worker, Porter County Sheriff’s Office
Tonika Davis | Owner, Faith Child Care LLC
Sean Egan | Director, Education Program, Calumet College of St. Joseph
Dale Eichelman | Retired Account Executive
Allen Grecula | Executive Director, Three20 Recovery Community Center
Denise Koebcke | Vice President, Philanthropy, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater NWI
Lauren Kroeger | Attorney/Partner, Hoeppner, Wagner, & Evans LLP
Brian O’Connor | Retired Attorney, Consultant, Self-Employed
Micah Pollack | Associate Dean, School of Business & Economics, IUN
Maceo Rainey | Director of TRIO Programs, Ivy Tech Community College
Julie Remschneider | Superintendent of Schools, North Newton Schools
Kasie Tenbarge | Associate Director, First Things First Porter County
Raeann Trakas | Senior Community Relations Rep., Cleveland-Cliffs
Kila Ward | Director of Education & Workforce Development, City of Michigan City
Leeann Wright | Executive Director, Community Foundation of Pulaski County
Quality Early Childhood care & education continues to be in short supply across our nation, specifically The Region. Hear more about the pressing need for quality opportunities for our youngest ones.