Marion Community Schools is pleased to announce that Marion High School is joining the Rural Early College Network.
The Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis has selected MHS as a partner school in the Rural Early College Network 2.0.
Through this program, funded by a $10 million education innovation and research grant from the U.S. Department of Education, CELL will help 20 rural high schools implement early college high school programs, providing advanced coursework and increasing the number of students who go on to college.
Marion High School already offers dozens of advanced college credits, including the Indiana College Core, a block of 30 general education credits transferable to any state college and many private colleges in Indiana. Partnership in the Rural Early College Network 2.0 will help us reach even more students with these opportunities.
“We are excited to be joining the Rural Early College Network,” Marion Community Schools Superintendent Stephanie Lockwood said. “We know that this will make our advanced credit offerings at Marion High School even better, and the opportunity to connect with CELL and other early college high schools in this way will be a huge boost.”
The Rural Early College Network project was launched in 2019 through an EIR grant and served 20 schools over six years, with impressive results. For the 2022 cohort, 75% of early college high school graduates went to college, compared to a 53% state average.
Rural Early College Network 2.0 will help CELL serve a new cohort of 15 schools and provide support in early college implementation. The program includes mentorship and collaboration with peer educators, along with professional development for dual credit teachers and school counselors. This support will help Marion High School expand advanced coursework, with the goal of earning early college endorsement from CELL.
In Indiana, CELL accredits high-quality early college high schools based on their adherence to meeting eight core principles, such as establishing a college-going culture and providing strong student supports. Only a few dozen high schools in the state are currently recognized as accredited early college high schools.
“We are thrilled to partner alongside these 15 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.”
The Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis bridges the gap between research, policy and practice by delivering innovative, evidence-based education solutions. CELL’s work empowers educators and improves student success in PK-12 and higher education, transforming lives through learning. Learn more: cell.uindy.edu.