EVANSVILLE, Ind. — August 26, 2026 — Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) today announced Mayor Terry’s Attendance Challenge, a nine-month pilot program for schools in the Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN).  

Beginning October 1, students with perfect attendance in the preceding month will be automatically entered into a monthly lottery, with 37 families selected in each drawing to receive a $300 Housing Stability gift card that can be used toward essential household expenses, including utility bills, rent, and groceries.  

“Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that starts with being present in the classroom,” said Mayor Stephanie Terry.  “This attendance challenge helps reduce financial pressures that can create barriers to getting students to school while reinforcing that every day in the classroom matters.” 

The program is available to students at all six EPN schools: Bosse High School, Delaware Elementary School, Evans School, Glenwood Leadership Academy, Lincoln School, and Lodge Community School.  

“We value this year-long partnership with Mayor Terry and the City of Evansville and their commitment to investing in our students, said EVSC Superintendent Darla Hoover, “Attendance is a primary factor in academic achievement, and every day in the classroom gives students another opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.” 

Funded by $100,000 in interest earned on the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the initiative will help reduce financial barriers to attendance and help students stay engaged in the classroom. By supporting consistent attendance, the program aims to improve academic outcomes, including grade-level reading, while helping reduce risk factors associated with juvenile crime.