A restorative approach to secondary education success
By Lesley DeVoss—
MUNCIE, IN – When high school students are suspended or expelled from school, they are often placed in alternative pathways, which increases the chances of academic challenges and adds a layer of stress for the students as well as their families. The Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence Program is designed to provide academic and career support for students that might be considered at-risk. This collaboration can provide relief from that stress as well as a guided pathway to opportunities.
“Every student deserves a place where they can continue to focus on their education, identify and grow their strengths, and work toward a brighter future. The Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence Program provides this for students who can no longer attend school in a more traditional environment. Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County is proud to be able to provide these students with the support they need to achieve success and position them for prosperity and excellence,” Chancellor Jeffrey D. Scott said.
The Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence Program is housed at the Ivy Tech Muncie Cowan Road Advanced Technology Center where students will have access to Ivy Tech tutoring. Through the program students can successfully earn their high school diploma as well as industry recognized credentials and certifications. In addition to support in their virtual classes, students will complete the Ivy Tech Career Assessment Tool and work with a career coach to determine the best pathway to a career after graduation.
Depending on the results of the Career Assessment Tool, the students will be enrolled in Ivy Tech academic courses or skills training, which includes potential certification offerings like OSHA 10, Six Sigma White Belt, CPR-First Aid, Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) Mental Health First Aid, Forklift, Smart Automated Controls, Certified Production Technician, Welding, Qualified Medication Aide (QMA), and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). For added support, Ivy Tech will also provide wraparound services to all participants of the Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence Program including mental health services, Collegiate Recovery Addiction services, food pantry, emergency assistance, and professional clothing closet.
Students in the Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence program will have access to and be involved in the following Ivy Tech offerings:
- IvyStrong: Ivy Career Strong is a career assessment platform that conducts an interest assessment to find educational and career pathways. For each pathway, Ivy Tech links interests to careers, salaries, job outlooks, skills, and Ivy Tech programs.
- College Readiness (IVY-T): This specialized IVY-T course provides students with an overview of skills and strategies necessary to successfully focus on reaching their educational, career, and life goals.
- CliftonStrengths for Students: This assessment gives students the resources, techniques, and inspiration they need to thrive in college and beyond. From deciding how to get involved on campus to determining their career path, students can use CliftonStrengths for Students to start their strengths journey.
- Resume Workshop: Career Coaches will work with students to build their resumes.
- Interview Workshop: Career Coaches will conduct mock interviews and provide interviewing tips.
- Career Development Portfolio: A toolkit that helps students become career ready.
- Wraparound Services: With the Student Advocacy team, students have access to mental health awareness, coordination with an AWARE team member and engagement with Collegiate Recovery-Substance Use staff.
The pilot will be focused on students from Muncie Central High School.
“Not every student will succeed in a traditional classroom setting, so it is important to have several different options available,” Muncie Community Schools Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski said. “With this program available through Ivy Tech, MCS students have yet another opportunity to graduate with their peers and set themselves up for success after high school.”
The students in the Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence Program will have the opportunity to participate in work-based learning opportunities to further step toward a prosperous future. Success will be measured on their attendance record, the credentials they complete, and how many hours of tutoring they attend.
To learn more about the Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence Program, visit online at ivytech.edu/muncie or email askmuncie@ivytech.edu.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.
About Muncie Community Schools
Serving the local community since 1855, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educates more than 5,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school while also managing several other educational facilities. Through its unique partnership with Ball State University, MCS strives to maximize each student’s potential so he or she can be a positive, productive member of society. Find out more about MCS or Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski at muncieschools.org.
