New Preschool Classrooms Expand Early Learning Access Across the Evansville Promise Neighborhood

Evansville, Ind. (10/07/2026) — Two new preschool (pre-K) classrooms are now open at Lincoln and Delaware Elementary Schools, the result of a coordinated investment led by the Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN), a collective network of partner organizations that includes Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC), Building Blocks, and Welborn Baptist Foundation (Welborn). With these additions, families across all EPN focus schools now have access to high-quality pre-K, a significant step toward building a stronger early learning pipeline for children and families in the community.

Opened in August, the two new classrooms quickly reached capacity, a clear sign of the strong demand for high-quality early childhood education in the Promise Neighborhood. The pre-K classroom at Lincoln is also serving families from nearby Glenwood Leadership Academy, helping children across the Promise Neighborhood have access to early learning opportunities, regardless of which school their family is connected to.

"These new classrooms help ensure more children have the opportunity for a strong start in their learning journey," said Derek McKillop, Director of the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. "Families now have greater access to early learning close to home, and in many cases, siblings can attend the same school."

EPN led the blending and braiding of funding that made the investment possible, in partnership with EVSC. Building Blocks collaborated with EVSC to support classroom implementation, including furnishings, curriculum and instructional supports, educator development, and alignment with kindergarten-readiness goals. Welborn partnered to support the initiative's long-term sustainability.

"Expanding access is important, but access and quality have to grow together," said Aleisha Wilson, President and CEO of Building Blocks. "Our partnership with EVSC allows us to work alongside educators to build strong learning environments, support quality instruction, and track children's progress toward kindergarten readiness."

Early exposure to structured learning can help build the skills and confidence children need to be ready for kindergarten and positioned for long-term academic success. The pre-K classrooms reaching capacity so quickly demonstrates the clear need for additional early learning opportunities and the value of partnerships that can help expand access for families.

"We believe children deserve the opportunity to begin their educational journey with a strong foundation," said Toni Hamilton, EVSC Chief Learning Officer. "These new classrooms are an investment in the future of our community and demonstrate what is possible when organizations come together around a shared vision for families."

An initiative of the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, the pre-K expansion at Lincoln and Delaware reflects the ongoing collective work and investment of EPN, EVSC, Building Blocks, and Welborn.

About Evansville Promise Neighborhood

Evansville Promise Neighborhood is focused on building strategic partnerships that unlock resources and create pathways of opportunity for students, families, and neighborhoods. EPN is housed at the University of Evansville's Center for Innovation and Change. Learn more at evansville.edu/epn.