Monroe County receives Indiana College Success award

On Wednesday, May 8, Teresa Lubbers, Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education, recognized 26 Indiana counties for working to increase the percentage of Hoosiers with an education beyond high school.

These counties, which promoted improving college access and success in higher education, are members of a statewide network called Indiana’s College Success Coalition.

Monroe County was ranked number 15 out of the 26 total that were honored.

“We are so proud of the many local leaders, from K-12, higher education, business, government and community organizations, who have come together to increase education opportunity and student success in Indiana,” Lubbers said. “Creating a culture of college access and success can only happen when the vision is shared by the entire community.”

Through the Learn More Indiana outreach initiative, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education has supported the development of College Success Coalitions in 50 counties since 2010. Overall, the various counties recognized have recruited nearly 1,400 member organizations and implemented almost 2,000 targeted activities designed to increase college access and success across Indiana according to a press release from the Indiana Commission for High Education.

The 26 counties honored at the Indiana Statehouse during the ceremony consisted of the first two allies of a growing statewide effort by local organizations focused on increasing college readiness as well as access and completion in a state currently ranked 40th nationally in education attainment.

In order to earn the Indiana College Success County award, the various counties had “to create data-driven plans designed to increase the percentage of the region’s recent high school graduates and returning adults who earn postsecondary credentials,” according to the press release.

Each of the 26 counties will receive a road sign proclaiming it an Indiana College Success County to be displayed on major roads entering the counties as recognition of their ongoing efforts.

Nearly 20 Indiana counties will be inducted into the College Success Coalition each year on a competitive basis until all 92 counties across the state have a local coalition.

The state will be accepting applications in the fall for local organizations interested in forming a county coalition for the 2013-14 school year.  

Allen was ranked number one, followed by Clark and Clinton counties.
            
— Samantha Felix