South Tabbed in Rural Early College Network

Southmont Sr. High School has been selected by the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis to be a partner school in the Rural Early College Network 2.0 as part of a $10 million Education Innovation and Research grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Through RECN 2.0, 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.

“We’re excited to be part of the Rural Early College Network as we continue working to improve college-going rates for our students,” said Dr. Stephanie Hofer, Superintendent at Southmont Schools. “Partnering with CELL gives us the tools and support to expand opportunities and help our students succeed beyond high school.”

The RECN project was launched in 2019 through an EIR grant and served 20 schools over six years.

RECN 1.0 saw impressive results; for the 2022 cohort of RECN 1.0, 75 percent of Early College High School graduates went to college, compared to a 53 percent state average.

RECN 2.0 will help CELL serve a new cohort of schools and provide support in Early College implementation. Schools will also receive mentorship from another rural high school and collaboration with peer educators to expand advanced coursework and earn Early College endorsement from CELL. RECN 2.0 will expand on RECN 1.0 with the addition of professional development for dual credit teachers and school counselors.

Early College is a nationally recognized model enabling students to earn college credit while in high school. Early College programs are proven to improve college-going for students who need additional academic support.

In Indiana, CELL endorses–or 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. CELL’s Early College work also enables schools to offer the Indiana College Core – a block of 30 general education credits transferable to any state and many private universities – helping schools meet state requirements and giving students a head start on future plans. More than sixty schools are currently recognized as endorsed Early College High Schools.

“We are thrilled to partner alongside these fifteen 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.”

To learn more about RECN, visit https://cell.uindy.edu/recn.