Area high schools chosen for Rural Early College Network (RECN) 2.0

The Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis has named 15 partner high schools selected to participate in the Rural Early College Network (RECN) 2.0 as part of a $10 million Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant.

Area high schools involved in the program include Peru and LaVille.

Through RECN 2.0, CELL will help these rural high schools implement Early College High School programs, providing advanced coursework and increasing the number of students who go on to college.

“We are thrilled to partner alongside these fifteen schools through RECN 2.0 to positively impact schools, educators, students and families,” said Janet Boyle, director of the Rural Early College Network at CELL. “In partnership with our mentor schools, CELL is poised to guide these schools in their Early College program implementation to increase postsecondary options for students.”

These fifteen schools will be paired with one of five mentor schools, which are rural high schools that already have endorsed Early College High School programs. Logansport High School will be on the mentor schools.

The RECN project was launched in 2019 through an EIR grant and served 20 schools over six years.

RECN 1.0 saw impressive results; for the 2022 cohort of RECN 1.0, 75% of Early College High School graduates went to college, compared to a 53% state average.

RECN 2.0 will help CELL serve a new cohort of schools and provide support in Early College implementation. Schools will also receive mentorship from another rural high school and collaboration with peer educators to expand advanced coursework and earn Early College endorsement from CELL. RECN 2.0 will expand on RECN 1.0 with the addition of professional development for dual credit teachers and school counselors.

Early College is a nationally recognized model enabling students to earn college credit while in high school. Early College programs are proven to improve college-going for students who need additional academic support.

In Indiana, CELL endorses high-quality Early College High Schools based on their adherence to meeting eight core principles, such as establishing a college-going culture and providing strong student supports. CELL’s Early College work also enables schools to offer the Indiana College Core – a block of 30 general education credits transferable to any state and many private universities – helping schools meet state requirements and giving students a head start on future plans. More than sixty schools are currently recognized as endorsed Early College High Schools.