VINCENNES, Ind. – With the help of more than $1 million in grants, the Vincennes University Early College Program will expand its work to increase college readiness and career preparation in Northeast Indiana.

The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet recognized the Early College Program’s leadership by awarding a Local Career Coaching Grant. The $109,900 grant builds on 21st Century Community Learning Center activities started last year by extending programming such as career exploration; project-based learning; field trips; paid internships and apprenticeships; and Saturday and evening career courses.

VU’s partners include the East Allen County Schools (East Allen University and East Allen County Schools Career and Technical Education program), WorkOne – Northeast Indiana Works, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (Indiana/Kentucky Chapter), Allen County Education and Career Coalition, Fort Wayne Metals, Fort Wayne Housing Authority, Questa Education Foundation, Fort Wayne/Allen County NAACP Branch #3049, Parkview Health, 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union, Soaring Minds, and EWIN of Center of Excellence in Leadership Learning (CELL).

“We want to be a premier leader in providing Early College experiences for all students. With this grant, we are able to provide early intervention, beginning at kindergarten through adults,” Odelet Nance, VU Assistant Dean of Instruction-Early College Programs for Northeast Indiana, said. “We are able to provide career exploration opportunities to community adults and offer introductory career courses focusing on Indiana’s high demand, high wage careers. Elementary, middle, and high school students will have age appropriate resources such as books, assessments and games based on career navigation. Industry field trips and job shadowing experiences are also planned.”

In 2018, the Indiana Department of Education awarded the VU Early College Programs-Fort Wayne (East Allen University) a four-year, $932,000 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. The program prepares middle school students for the Early College experience through tutoring, leadership opportunities, college visits, and clubs. In addition, it allows high school students to take Vincennes University courses before school, after school, and on Saturdays. The grant is designed to increase career and college readiness for underserved students.

“Ultimately, we would like students and adults to explore their interests, career options, and then obtain a credential from Vincennes University,” Nance said.

More information about VU’s Early College is available at https://www.vinu.edu/web/earlycollege/welcome.

Contact:

Odelet Nance, PhD

Assistant Dean of Instruction-Early College Programs for Northeast Indiana
Vincennes University
Phone: (260)446-0240 ext. 7502
Fax: 260-446-0249

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. A leader in developing Early Colleges statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 36 other states, and 21 other countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

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Vincennes University Newsroom

MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
   812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/newsroom