We’re almost two years away from the 2016 presidential election, but speculation, rumors and announcements are already in full swing. Many potential candidates are focusing on issues that took a backseat during the financial crisis, including education. StateImpact Indiana’s Claire McInerny tells us how education in Indiana is being pulled into the discussion about who could become the Republican presidential nominee.

By mid-afternoon on Monday, about 800 applications for On My Way Pre-K had come in to the Family and Social Services Administration from families interested in taking part in the pilot preschool program. That number more than doubled overnight, according to FSSA

Indiana afterschool programs are receiving a boost with the help of a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, which will be used to create an online training program for Hoosier youth workers and expand Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiatives.

Monday Dec. 15 is the deadline for families to apply for state’s new “On My Way Pre-K” pilot program starting in January. Limited spots are available in Marion County.

Mayor Greg Ballard Thursday signed the ordinance to create a $40 million, five-year preschool scholarship program to provided free, early education to more than 1,000 of the city’s low-income children.

State Superintendent Glenda Ritz outlined the Department of Education’s proposed budget Thursday to the state budget committee. The main concern of the committee was the cost of testing.

A study tracking grads from Washington state's schools found those who completed programs longer than a year had more pay and steadier work — especially in health care, technology and skilled labor.

Leaders from Indiana’s public universities made their biennial trip to the State Budget Committee Wednesday in advance of a new state budget that legislators will debate early next year.

Today's White House summit on early education highlights public and philanthropic partnerships to support high-quality learning opportunities for young children.