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 2023 Early Learning Fellows
Jenna Anderson | Coalition Coordinator, Noble & Lagrange Counties
Wade Breitzke | CEO, WeCreate Media
Jose Diaz | Regional Director, US Senator Todd Young
Sharon Johnson | CEO, Valparaiso Family YMCA
Mia Jones | Director of Curriculum, Big Shoulders NWI
Robert Klitzman | Director, Pulaski Alliance for Community Education
Danny Lackey | President, DL Consulting Services
Jessica O’Brien | Development Director, Salvation Army of Michigan City
Alayna Lightfoot Pol | Board Member, Duneland Community Schools
Rodney Pol | Senator, District 4, State of Indiana
Chuck Roberts | CEO & President, Lakeshore Public Media
Spencer Summers | Director of Economic Development, NWI Forum
Allie Sutherland | Early Childhood Specialist, Bridge of Grace/NE IN Coalition
Matt Wells | Acting President & CEO, One Region
Sami Welter | PCCF Board Member, Owner, Ella Jayms
Logan Wuethrich | Owner & President, Ladybug Cleaners
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.