Our P-12 partnerships create pathways to success

Indiana University partners with preschools to secondary schools (P-12) across the Hoosier state to enhance student experiences, recruit and retain future teachers, and create pathways to college and careers. These connections also seek to address teacher shortages and align with the state's workforce needs. 

The Advance College Project is an exciting joint initiative between IU and select high schools. It allows motivated and qualified students to earn college credit by taking IU courses at their local schools. These Hoosier high school students can use tuition-free ACP courses to earn up to 30 transferrable college credits known as the Indiana College Core. 

IU Kokomo recently partnered with four Indiana high schools to secure a $1.2 million Explore, Engage, and Experience grant. This grant expands opportunities for high school students and educators to explore pathways in business, health care, health and computer science, and more to serve Indiana's emerging needs. 

Likewise, several IU campuses—IU South Bend, IU Southeast, IUPUI, and IU Kokomo—recently received Attract, Prepare, Retain grants in partnership with several K-12 institutions. These grants fund IU scholarships and professional development activities at the high school level, particularly for underrepresented students pursuing education careers. 

Finally, IU Northwest is on pace to serve as the first host site of a new Kids College program, thanks to a recent $900,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. With program elements and support provided by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, up to 100 Indiana middle schoolers will engage in catered college experiences on the IU Northwest campus, exploring various themes and disciplines. The program will help underrepresented students from historically low-income communities prepare for their futures in higher education. Kids College launches this summer at IU Northwest, with plans to expand it to three additional IU campuses in the following two years. 

These partnerships provide critical opportunities for students and educators and extend our service across the state. We are excited about the positive impact they will continue to have on our communities today and well into the future.

Pamela Whitten

President
Indiana University