February 27th was a day for the history books as all three Chancellors of Indiana University Northwest, Purdue University Northwest, and Ivy Tech Community College Lake County (pictured below) gathered at GEO 21st Century Academy in Gary to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide college scholarships plus wraparound supports to all students enrolled in GEO 21st Century Academy.
Indiana Education Secretary Dr. Katie Jenner said the program "reflects what's possible when Indiana's education partners work together. By helping students earn a college degree--at no cost--before even graduating from high school, this student-centered collaboration between K-12 and higher education is removing barriers for students and creating a brighter future for our communities, our state, and most importantly, our students."
GEO 21st Century Academy is the only high school in the country to produce students earning full bachelor's degrees BEFORE graduating from high school. Two, alums Abram Lewis and Khaya Njumbe, are pictured below with IUN Chancellor Dr. Arrick Jackson and PNW Chancellor Chris Holford. Many others have earned full associate degrees from Ivy Tech Community College. Friday offered an opportunity for two of our bachelor-degree earners and several of our associate degree-earners to be pictured with their respective chancellors together (all three Chancellors pictured below with their students).
We believe we can produce more students earning associate degrees and bachelor's degrees before graduating from high school (debt free) and this new Scholarship Plus program will assist us in reaching our mutual goals.
The Northwest Indiana Times covered the event as did CBS Evening News Chicago. The signing ceremony included performances from the school's dance team, drum corps, and cheerleaders.
Kevin Teasley, Founder & CEO
GEO Foundation and GEO Academie