09-05-2025
South Vermillion High School selected for early college program
CLINTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— South Vermillion was selected by the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis to be a partner school in the Rural Early College Network (RECN) 2.0.
This is the result of a $10 million Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Through the RECN 2.0, CELL is assisting 20 rural high schools in getting Early College High School programs. These programs provide advanced coursework and they hope increase the number of students who go into higher education.
'South Vermillion is ecstatic and honored to be chosen to partner with RECN to improve college-going and programming for our students,' said Kara Skinner, Principal at South Vermillion High School.
The RECN was originally created in 2019 and operated in 20 schools over six years. during RECN 1.0, the 2022 cohort had 75% of its participants go on to college, which is 22% above the state average. RECN 2.0 will establish a new cohort, and schools involved will also receive mentorship from another rural high school. It will also provide collaboration with peer educators to expand the advanced coursework and earn Early College endorsement from CELL. RECN 2.0 will expand on its first version as well by offering professional development for dual credit teachers and school counselors.
Early College is a recognized model allowing high school students the ability to earn college credits, and the program has been proven to increase the number of students who need additional academic support to go to college.
In Indiana, CELL endorses Early College High Schools based on how well they follow eight core principles. CELL's Early College work also allows schools to offer the Indiana College Core, a block of 30 general education credits that are transferable to any state and most private universities. More than 60 schools are currently endorsed for these programs.
'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.'
To learn more about the RECN, you can visit this link. West Vigo High School in Terre Haute was also named a partner school in the RECN 2.0.
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