Area 31 Career Center Earns Early College Re-Endorsement
The Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis recently announced the re-endorsement of the Early College (EC) program at Area 31 Career Center. This is the second time Area 31 Career Center has been endorsed by CELL.
“The recognition of our Early College Career Center as an exemplary early college is a testament to the great work being done by local staff members and students. We are very grateful for the support of MSD Wayne Township, Vincennes University, and the Area 31 Governing Board; and we are committed to expanding student access to high-currency career and technical education opportunities. The professional guidance and networking opportunities provided by CELL have been invaluable during the development of our programs, and we look forward to a strong future of continued partnership,” said Area 31 CTE Director Patrick Biggerstaff.
Area 31 Career Center excels as an Early College program with a large percentage of students earning associate degrees, Technical Certificates, Certificates of Graduation and the Indiana College Core upon graduation. Area 31’s students have been proven to be supported through the challenging rigor that is Early College and also have earned numerous industry certifications in high wage/high demand employment areas.
To be considered for re-endorsement, the school prepared a portfolio that addressed the eight required principles established by CELL including providing a rigorous curriculum, robust student supports, and completion data. In addition, a CELL team visited the school to interview administration, teachers, and students about Early College and its benefits and challenges before designating the program as re-endorsed.
“Re-endorsed Early College High Schools have documented evidence of quality programs that help high school students graduate high school and accelerate into post-secondary education, whether at a four-year institution, two-year college or a career/technical program. These students’ accomplishments are true game-changers for them and their families,” said Sandy Hillman, CELL Director of Early College. “The strong leadership of Director Dr. Patrick Biggerstaff, Erin Dietrich, counselor, Michael Woods, VU Assistant Academic Dean and VU Site Coordinator Maria Snrka creates the vision and implements the mission of this dynamic program.” Area 31 Early College is one of only six endorsed career centers in the state.
CELL has been designated by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education as the only organization in the state to train, develop and endorse early college high schools. CELL has trained over 140 high schools across the state in the fundamentals of Early College and endorsed 44 Early Colleges as of April, 2022. Once a school receives endorsement, it is expected to further develop its opportunities and will be reviewed for re-endorsement every three years.
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