BBF 100: History of Support for Muncie Community Schools and Burris Laboratory School
Ball Brothers Foundation believes that strong public schools are foundational to thriving communities. Schools play a critical role in preparing future generations, supporting workforce development, strengthening neighborhoods, and helping communities attract and retain families. For 100 years, BBF's commitment to education has been closely connected to the Ball family's early support for teacher preparation and public education in Muncie, beginning with the creation of what would become Ball State University and continuing today through support for innovative learning opportunities across the community.
Today, that commitment is reflected in BBF's support for both Muncie Community Schools and Burris Laboratory School—two distinct public school systems located in the heart of Muncie. Today, that commitment is reflected in BBF's support for both Muncie Community Schools and Burris Laboratory School. Together, these schools help strengthen educational opportunities in the heart of Muncie while contributing to the broader vitality and future of the community. Over the past decade, BBF has supported a range of initiatives within the two systems, ranging from academics and student enrichment to innovation, teacher development, and campus improvements, helping both systems build on their strengths while creating new opportunities for students and families.
BBF-Muncie Community Schools Grant Highlights:
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Foundation funding has helped expand outdoor learning opportunities at Camp Adventure while supporting the creation of a Montessori-inspired year-round “Forest Academy” for Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade, creating unique hands-on learning experiences that connect students with nature, exploration, and discovery.
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BBF support has helped MCS to develop an annual Academic Innovation Summit, providing hundreds of educators from across the district with high-quality professional development and nationally recognized speakers focused on improving student learning and achievement.
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MCS’ dual language program now extends from kindergarten through high school, offering students the opportunity to become conversant in Spanish beginning at age 5. This program began with seed funding from BBF and helps distinguish the district through a unique educational offering that attracts families, gives students a distinct language learning advantage, and offers an outstanding opportunity to English language learners as well.
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In the midst of an overhaul to the state’s graduation requirements, funding from BBF and other local foundations has helped to strengthen college and career offerings across the district through new access to career assessments, individualized advising, work-based learning experiences, internships, and partnerships that better connect students to future educational and workforce opportunities.
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Over the past decade, support has helped the district to purchase new athletic equipment, instruments, uniforms, and other resources that expand opportunities for students to participate in music, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. Emerging data indicates that participation in extracurricular activities is boosting attendance and academic performance at the high school level. Funding is also helping to build sports opportunities at the elementary school level, building a stronger pipeline for athletic programs.
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Foundation funding has helped to enhance the historic Muncie Fieldhouse through facility improvements, updated equipment, and new branding that is strengthening the student-athlete experience while preserving an important community asset.
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Foundation funding has helped expand opportunities at the Muncie Area Career Center, supporting career pathways, industry partnerships, certifications, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for both college and careers. Among career programs, BBF support helped MCS develop and expand opportunities for students interested in education careers, creating pathways that allow aspiring teachers to gain classroom experience, earn college credit, and explore teaching as a profession.
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Support from local foundations, including BBF, has helped Muncie Central launch its Freshman Academy, creating a more intentional transition into high school while preparing students for Indiana’s new graduation requirements through redesigned learning spaces, staff training, and enhanced student support.
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BBF support has helped MCS introduce new interactive classroom technology that enhances student engagement, expands instructional flexibility, and ultimately informs broader technology investments across the district. Foundation funding is also helping schools redesign classrooms with flexible seating and collaborative learning environments.
BBF & Muncie Community Schools Stories Through the Years
BBF-Burris Laboratory School Grant Highlights:
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BBF support has helped Burris reconnect with the International Association of Laboratory Schools, strengthen its identity as a true lab school, and share its work with educators nationally and internationally.
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Over the past several years, Burris has grown its outdoor education program with the construction of a greenhouse with classroom seating on Burris’ east lawn, through additional partnerships and on-site learning at Muncie Community Schools’ Camp Adventure (a 40-acre learning center on Muncie’s southwest side), the expansion of outdoor learning opportunities for children at all grade levels, and the continuation of a long-standing tradition for 4th and 5th graders to take an overnight field trip to the YMCA’s Camp Crosley each spring.
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Foundation funding has helped Burris expand its emerging media and broadcast programs, giving students hands-on experience with media production, storytelling, broadcasting, and career-connected learning. Productions have included a back-to-school video filmed by Burris students for the Indiana Department of Education, live broadcasts for One Ball State Day, and the live streaming of school concerts and athletic events.
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Foundation funding has helped Burris teachers pursue new classroom-based research, access professional development opportunities, expand the number of conference presentations made by teachers and administrators, and explore new instructional approaches that can be shared beyond Burris.
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Burris has long embraced its identity as a school that emphasizes fine arts, and support has helped to further strengthen these offerings. From ensuring that all first graders have violins for the school’s beginning strings program to expanding band opportunities to 4th graders, music is at the heart of a Burris education. New offerings also include a marching band and show choir while visual arts opportunities have also expanded with students winning a range of local and statewide awards.
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Over the past decade, Burris Laboratory School has developed student leadership opportunities through a new “Burris Ambassadors” program and through increased outreach and collaboration with local nonprofits and service organizations. One year-round opportunity partners Burris high school students with Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity, allowing students to build relationships in local neighborhoods and help construct new homes for families.
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Though Burris may be a small school, it is big on school pride with a base of alumni across the country. Funding over the past decade has helped with new branding across the school and support for athletic programs while also helping provide resources to lay the groundwork with alumni engagement in advance of the school’s upcoming 100th anniversary.
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BBF support helped Burris partner with Ball State University to train teachers in virtual reality as a learning tool and explore new ways to bring immersive technology into classroom instruction.
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Over the past decade, Burris has worked to build comprehensive counseling services focused on social-emotional wellness, responsive classroom practices, college and career readiness, and stronger student support systems.
BBF & Burris Laboratory School Stories Through the Years
Ambulance lights are flashing, radio traffic is on the scanner, and victims with minor and critical injuries are lying on the floor–it’s just another Monday morning for students in Chris Horner’s EMT and Fire/Rescue classes at the Muncie Area Career Center.