Evansville Promise Neighborhood Partners Unite to Drive Collective Action Across Four Key PipelinesEvansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN)Read full article…

Posted: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
By: University Communications

The Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN) at the University of Evansville (UE) continues to strengthen its collaborative approach to community transformation, bringing together partners across four key focus areas to launch collective, high-impact initiatives that empower local families and create pathways of opportunity.

Following EPN's first-ever Essential Staff Training and Annual All-Partner Meeting earlier this year, each of the four EPN workgroups formed a Task Force to identify one or two collective projects that extend beyond individual partner programs. These Task Forces are now implementing their first shared action plans designed to make a measurable, lasting impact across the neighborhood.

Pipeline 1: Early Health and Kindergarten Readiness

To strengthen early learning outcomes, the Early Health and Kindergarten Readiness pipeline is leading a neighborhood-wide effort to empower families through the Little Moments, Big Growth campaign. The campaign aims to equip caregivers of young children with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to prepare their child for school. More than a message, Little Moments, Big Growth empowers families to take small, everyday actions that lead to big outcomes in a child's learning journey.

Pipeline 2: Student Achievement and Success

Recognizing that student success begins with being present, the Student Achievement and Success pipeline is piloting creative strategies to support attendance and family connection throughout the year. Efforts include the development of a consistent and shared attendance incentive structure and strategies to overcome transportation barriers-supported in part by the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation's (EVSC) new Promise Neighborhood bus, PN1, which works to help students and families stay connected and engaged throughout the year.

Pipeline 3: Postsecondary Access, Success, and Workforce Readiness

By taking a multigenerational approach to college and career readiness, the Postsecondary Access, Success, and Workforce Readiness pipeline is inspiring both students and families to dream big and plan ahead. Work is underway to develop mobile engagement displays, with the possibility of including virtual reality (VR) experiences, that will bring college and career exploration directly to students and families. The goal is to spark meaningful, future-focused conversations about education and career paths-wherever families already gather.

Pipeline 4: Neighborhood and Community Revitalization

Focused on building a healthier neighborhood, the Neighborhood and Community Revitalization pipeline is bringing fresh produce and interactive learning to EVSC family engagement events and after-school programs. By incorporating fresh produce and educational components into student experiences, the initiative seeks to build lifelong healthy habits and deepen understanding of food and nutrition.

About Evansville Promise Neighborhood

Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN) is an initiative housed at the University of Evansville's Center for Innovation & Change, made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Education. EPN focuses on building strategic partnerships that empower generations and create opportunities for kids, families, and entire communities.

For more information, visit evansville.edu/epn or follow @EvansvillePromiseNeighborhood on social media.