One of the major activities being led by faculty and staff in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute is the creation of the Purdue Polytechnic High School in Indianapolis. Its mission? To provide a rich, integrated, learning environment by providing a hands-on, STEM-focused education which teaches students the skills and knowledge needed to be successful throughout their careers and paves the way toward admission to a post-secondary institution.
The flagship Purdue Polytechnic High School in Indianapolis will develop a new generation of skilled talent by seamlessly transitioning students from high school and post-secondary education to high-wage, high-demand jobs. The Purdue Polytechnic High School in Indianapolis will be unlike any educational experience offered in Indiana and potentially the nation. It will be built on strong industry relationships, an innovative partnership with Purdue University and a goal to ensure the success of a diverse student body in the 21st century economy.
The charter high school will help close the educational gap for many Indianapolis students. Now, more than ever, the need is great to deliver more innovative learning experiences and provide opportunities to high school students who have STEM capabilities but might not have access to tailored programs to ensure their success. The Purdue Polytechnic High School is a unique solution that will cater specifically to these students and help them emerge with the knowledge and skills needed for personal, professional and community success.
The high school’s curricula and environment will be specifically designed to develop a new generation of skilled talent who can enjoy many benefits after four years:
- seamlessly transition from high school and postsecondary education to high-wage, high-demand jobs
- skills to meet the evolving needs of industry
- dual credits for continued postsecondary education
- industry-recognized credentials
- mastery in a defined high-tech pathway
- direct pathway to Purdue University for successful students to further their education and skills mastery.
This high school is an important part of the future of the Purdue Polytechnic as well as Purdue University. The Purdue Polytechnic will provide functional support for curriculum development and teacher training for the high school, which will open in Fall 2017. The Purdue faculty and staff affiliated with the high school will work directly with the high school teachers and students. The effort is being led by Scott Bess, school head; Brooke Huntington, assistant dean for K-12 outreach; Shatoya Jordan, principal; Susie Howard, director of high school initiatives; Kevin Kaluf, K-12 STEM education director; and Technology Leadership and Innovation professors Paul Asunda, Gregg Strimel and Scott Bartholomew (Gregg and Scott are new to the department this fall).
