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Evans Elementary Launches Nation's First Promise Neighborhood ChangeLab in Partnership with UE

Evansville, Ind. (08/15/2025) — Evans Elementary began the new school year by making history in the EVSC (Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation). In the first week of classes, the school launched the nation's first-ever K-12 ChangeLab program, empowering every student, not just those who already see themselves as leaders, to share ideas for meaningful change in their school and community.

ChangeLab, an award-winning initiative from the University of Evansville (UE), is known for connecting university students with real-world community projects. The Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN) initiative allows UE and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) to give ChangeLab to K-12 students for the first time.

From July 20-21, representatives from all six EPN schools collaborated with UE's Center for Innovation & Change (CIC) to design their first projects. The mission was simple yet powerful: ask every student what they would improve in their school or neighborhood, and then design a plan that will help them bring those ideas to life.

During the training, Evans Elementary's leadership team created the first-ever Changemaker Journal: a hands-on tool printed and provided to every student to document their actions and progress throughout the year.

Each class selected one idea to pitch to the entire school. After a week-long design process, students proudly presented their proposals on Friday, August 8 at an all-school assembly. These ideas showcased creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, with suggestions ranging from sensory rooms to swimming pools, movie theaters to stuffed animal reward programs.

Following the presentations, students voted on which project to pursue. On Monday, August 11, Evans announced the winning idea: a Playground Revamp designed to make the space more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone. The student-led plan includes a soccer field, track, baseball diamond, and additional practice areas for school and community sports teams. This vision aims to foster a lifelong love of sports, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create a welcoming hub for the community after school hours.

Each EPN school receives $5,000 to fund their project, and the students will learn project management skills in the process. While the playground revamp will require additional funding, CIC will guide students in developing the most achievable version of their plan-just as they do with college-level ChangeLab students.

"Our students proved this week that they're not just dreamers - they're problem-solvers and leaders," said Lauren Hartmayer, Assistant Principal and ChangeLab Coordinator for Evans. "This project isn't just about new equipment; it's about building a space that will unite our school and community for years to come, and showing students the real impact they can have."

ChangeLabs are UE's direct programming for EPN students, families, and residents-a powerful step toward engaging young people as leaders of community transformation.

"There's nothing more exciting than helping teachers unlock the changemaking potential of their students," said Erin Lewis, Executive Director of the Center for Innovation & Change. "Seeing kindergarteners find their voice and get excited about making change is incredible. The ripple effects of this work will last for generations."

Other EPN school projects are still in development, and the community is invited to help bring these ideas to life.

To get involved or offer support, please contact: Will McDonner, EPN ChangeLab Coordinator at WM99@evansville.edu.

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.

Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

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812-893-5319

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