Representatives of LaPorte County Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and Ivy Tech Community College announced today that they are working together to increase dual credit course offerings for area high school students.
The announcement was made at the A. K. Smith Area Career Center in Michigan City, in conjunction with a meeting of area guidance counselors from the six high schools served by LaPorte County CTE programs.
This school year, 41 dual college credits from Ivy Tech are available for 14 Career and Technical Education courses through the LaPorte County CTE program at A. K. Smith. Dual Credits are now offered in Automotive Technology, Culinary Science, Electronics, Health Careers, and Welding.
LaPorte County CTE and Ivy Tech plan to continue to expand dual credit agreements, with a goal of adding 11 more dual credit courses by next school year in CTE disciplines such as Early Childhood Education, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction Technology, and Criminal Justice.
In addition to Ivy Tech, the LaPorte County CTE program has dual credit agreements with both Purdue University North Central and Vincennes University. Since the 2010-11 school year, the number of dual credits earned by CTE students has increased 14%. Because there is no cost to students for these credits, this represents a savings to area families of more than $35,000 in college tuition.
“These Dual Credit courses give our students a jump start in earning industry certifications and associate or bachelors’ degrees,” said Audra Peterson, Director of the LaPorte County Career and Technical Education program. “The coursework is rigorous, and it is preparing our students for high-demand jobs in our region.”
“Research by the Indiana Department of Education has shown that students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs are 7 percent more likely to graduate from high school and qualify for post-secondary opportunities,” said Rick Soria, Vice Chancellor of the Ivy Tech Community College Michigan City Pejic Campus. “Dual credit is an important element in our partnership with CTE programs in LaPorte County. We are committed to working together to increase these opportunities and to strengthen career and technical education in Northwest Indiana.”