Wayne Township Education Foundation
News Details
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June 2025
Garden City Elementary’s Samuel Albano wants to continue to sharpen his already well-developed skills as an educator. A major scholarship he has just received will allow him to do that sooner than later.
“By removing the financial obstacles, this scholarship allows me to complete an advanced degree years ahead of schedule,” Albano said.
Albano is one of four educators in the state of Indiana recently awarded full-tuition scholarships by the Indiana Association of Public Education Foundations (INAPEF), in partnership with the American College of Education (ACE). INAPEF supports 72 local education foundations across the state, including the Wayne Township Education Foundation. Albano is pictured above with Jennifer Rakow, INAPEF president (left), and Ben Bain, WTEF board president (right).
“This is part of a shared commitment to strengthening the state's educator pipeline," said Krista Kindler Baber, INAPEF Administrator. “This marks the second year of this impactful partnership, which helps remove financial barriers to degree completion and teacher licensure.”
Albano plans to pursue a master’s degree in education with his scholarship.
“As a reading specialist, pursuing a master’s of education in literacy will enable me to better serve my students and colleagues in the job I love,” Albano said. “I am grateful for this opportunity and for the work of our public education foundations in Indiana.”
INAPEF and the education foundations in Indiana it supports collectively raise more than $16 million annually to enhance K–12 student outcomes.
ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF and/or establishing a named, designated fund, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.
ABOUT THE INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS (INAPEF)
Founded in 2000, INAPEF connects and supports 72 public education foundations across Indiana. These nonprofit organizations work in partnership with local school districts to fund innovative programs, student and educator grants, and strategic initiatives that improve public education outcomes.
ABOUT AMERICAN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (ACE)
American College of Education® is an accredited, fully online institution offering over 60 affordable and flexible degree and certificate programs in education, leadership, business, and healthcare. Headquartered in Indianapolis, ACE is a Certified B Corporation dedicated to social impact through high-quality, accessible education.