Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana

About Us

In October of 2019, a generous new gift from Bruce White, Founder and Chairman of Merrillville, Indiana-based White Lodging, and his wife Beth created an exciting new chapter for Big Shoulders Fund by facilitating the extension of the organization’s programming to Northwest Indiana.

Big Shoulders Fund is building of the success of its efforts in Chicago with this a long-term commitment to the Northwest Indiana Region. Our organization is bringing its unique approach to enhancing the capacity of school communities and supporting students and families to Northwest Indiana, with a special focus on the areas with the greatest need, including Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago.

The expansion of Big Shoulders Fund’s programming is made possible through the exclusive use of this generous gift, independent from Chicago program funding, totaling $16 million over the course of 10 years. As a result of this gift, Big Shoulders Fund will be able to help even more students, schools and communities in need, while also remaining fully committed to its network of schools in Chicago, where they have provided long-term academic and operational support for more than 30 years and invested nearly $400 million to date.

Directory of Northwest Indiana Schools

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Our Team

Dan Kozlowski
Managing Director, Northwest Indiana

Gisele Jones
Director, Community Partnerships & Engagement, Northwest Indiana

Dr. Mia Jones
Assistant Director, Academics and Instructional Coaching

Eric Roldan
Assistant Director, Marketing & Enrollment

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Fall 2023
Summer 2023
Spring 2023

Indiana Choice Scholarship

Official logo for the Northwest Indiana Choice Scholar. A navy blue hat sits on the top left part of the logo with a red graduation cap. Below the words Northwest Indiana is in forest green and Choice scholar is in gold. Click the image to take you to the NWI Choice Scholar website and calculator.
Visit the Northwest Indiana Choice Scholar Website

Powered by Big Shoulders Fund, NWI Choice Scholar is a powerful tool to see if you qualify for the school of your choice through the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program.

Learn more about the Northwest Indiana Choice Scholarship by visiting www.nwichoicescholar.org

Questions? Contact Dan Kozlowski for more information.

Get Involved

Here are the many ways you can invest in a child:

  • Give Back Days
  • Mentorship Program
  • Career Days
  • Auxiliary Board
  • Volunteer Opportunities

Want to get involved with Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana? Contact Gisele Jones.