Students in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) will soon be able to earn college credits and other high-value credentials for free this summer, thanks to a statewide initiative.
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, Ivy Tech Community College, and Vincennes University are launching the third year of Crossing the Finish Line for Indiana’s high school students.
Crossing the Finish Line provides free tuition, fees and books at Ivy Tech or Vincennes for students who are just a few credits away from earning the Indiana College Core or another high-quality credential, such as an associate degree, technical certificate, or another short- or longer-term credential.
“This is a great opportunity for IPS students who are just a few credits away from earning a high-quality credential — and IPS is committed to helping each of them ‘cross the finish line’ into a future full of success,” said Melody Coryell, the district’s executive director of postsecondary readiness.
Coryell noted that school counselors have identified students eligible for the program and will be reaching out to them in the coming days. This will help students and families get connected with Ivy Tech or Vincennes to begin Crossing the Finish Lineregistration.
Later this month, eligible IPS students will also be contacted via email and postcard by either Ivy Tech or Vincennes, alerting them of their eligibility.
During the second year of this program, 3,300 high school students from more than 335 high schools participated. Combined, these students earned nearly 1,400 total credential completions — saving students and families over $2.5 million in tuition, fees and textbook costs, and increasing each student’s educational attainment level. In 2023, with increased family participation, IPS looks forward to helping even more students complete a credential and jumpstart their future!
Classes begin in June. Click here for more information, or contact pathways@doe.in.gov with questions.