It does not seem possible, but the very first seniors from Purdue Polytechnic High School (PPHS) will graduate soon. Four years ago, we created the high school with two objectives: to offer an alternative learning environment designed to better prepare students for today’s workplace, and to increase significantly the disproportionately low number of underrepresented students who apply to and are admitted to Purdue.
PPHS is modeled after many of the attributes we have adopted in the Polytechnic Institute. Early indications are that the school has succeeded in its objectives, with nearly 50 students of the first graduating class gaining admission to Purdue – and the Polytechnic Institute received the highest number of PPHS admits at Purdue. Our high school model is working; with the addition of two more high schools, one in Broad Ripple and the other in South Bend, we hope to see a significant number of PPHS graduates choosing the Polytechnic Institute as their first choice to pursue their higher education.
The Polytechnic High Schools bring opportunity and a quality educational experience to hundreds of underserved students in Indiana. This innovative approach to high school is one of the most meaningful accomplishments of the Polytechnic Institute. The fall semester will be a special time as we greet our new admits, which will include a number of students that would never have had the opportunity to come to Purdue University and the Polytechnic Institute.
