For adults lacking a high school diploma, going to college and starting a career can seem out of reach.
In response to this, Ivy Tech Community College’s Valparaiso campus is offering a process for adults who lack a high school diploma to start the path to a high-paying career. The campus is partnering with Neighbors’ Educational Opportunities’ (NEO’s) New Vistas High School to offer Diploma Plus NWI, a program serving students ages 22 and older without a high school diploma.
Diploma Plus NWI aims to provide concurrent enrollments for college courses to participating adults that will help them earn both a college completion and high school diploma at the same time.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to partner with NEO to offer options to our fellow citizens to earn college credits while completing high school credentials,” Aco Sikoski, campus chancellor for Ivy Tech’s Valparaiso campus, said. “It will help candidates to achieve their career aspirations in a shorter period of time.”
The Diploma Plus NWI pilot program will be offered at Ivy Tech’s Valparaiso Campus with plans to expand to other campuses like Lake County.
“This opportunity is created to empower students to realize that it is never too late to go back to school, and in this case, gain the educational preparation for a selected career,” Katie Jenner, Vice President for K-12 Initiatives and Statewide Partnerships for Ivy Tech, said. “It can be a game-changer for an adult to go from not having a high school diploma to completing an intentional pathway that may award their high school diploma and an Ivy Tech credential and/or industry certification.”
Those wishing to learn more about the Diploma Plus NWI Program are invited to attend the Diploma Plus Orientation on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will take place at NEO’s New Vistas High School, 5201 U.S. Hwy 6, Portage. Attendees are encouraged to call (219) 850-4448 to RSVP.
