IU Center for Rural Engagement

Graduate students from the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington shared their ADA-accessible pathway designs for the Orange County Community Gardens with community partners during a presentation at Lost River Co-op & Cafe in Paoli.

Through a Sustaining Hoosier Communities (SHC) partnership, students collaborated with community leaders to explore ways to improve accessibility and increase participation in the garden for visitors of all abilities.

The collaboration was recently honored by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (IUB), with Dr. Becca Lassell and community partner Brandon Query receiving the 2026 Community-Engaged Learning Partnership Award and Ph.D. student Pezhman Raeisian Parvari receiving the 2025–26 Excellence in Community-Engaged Learning Student Award.

Learn more about SHC at shc.indiana.edu.

IU Department of Health & Wellness Design

The McKinney Family Foundation has launched the Robert H. McKinney Legacy Prize, a new $250,000 award that recognizes partnerships in rural Indiana that are working together to strengthen their communities.

Priority will be given to applicant partnerships and projects that bring together nonprofits, farmers, businesses, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders to create lasting impact and improve quality of life across their region.

Applications are open through July 31.

Learn more and apply:

Robert H. McKinney Legacy Prize Made with Framer