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Last updated on Sunday, May 12, 2013
(UNDATED) - Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers recognized 26 Indiana counties for working to increase the percentage of Hoosiers with education beyond high school.
The counties are members of Indiana's College Success Coalition, a statewide network focused on improving college access and success.
"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," said Lubbers. "Creating a culture of college access and success can only happen when the vision is shared by the entire community."
Since 2010, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education--through its Learn More Indiana outreach initiative--has supported the development of College Success Coalitions in 50 counties. Collectively, these county coalitions have recruited nearly 1,400 member organizations and implemented almost 2,000 targeted activities designed to increase college access and success.
Honoring the County Coalitions
The 26 counties honored during an awards ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse comprise the first two cohorts of a growing statewide network of local organizations focused on increasing college readiness, access and completion in a state that currently ranks 40th nationally in education attainment.
To earn the Indiana College Success County award, member organizations created a data-driven strategic plan designed to increase the percentage of the region's recent high school graduates and returning adults who earn a postsecondary credential, including one-year workforce certificates, two- and four-year college degrees, apprenticeships, and military training. In recognition of their ongoing efforts, each of the 26 counties will receive a road sign proclaiming it an Indiana College Success County. The signs will be displayed prominently on a major road as people enter the county.
Joining the College Success Coalition
Up to 20 Indiana counties will be accepted into the College Success Coalition each year on a competitive basis until all 92 counties across the state have an active, sustainable local coalition. Leadership at the county level is provided locally by a steering team that includes representatives from K-12 and higher education; business and government; and community, faith-based and youth-serving organizations.
The state will be accepting applications this coming fall from local organizations interested in forming a county coalition during the 2013-14 academic year. Learn more at LearnMoreIndiana.org/Coalitions.
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2013 Indiana College Success Counties
1. Allen
2. Clark
3. Clinton
4. Decatur
5. Delaware
6. Grant
7. Hendricks
8. Henry
9. Howard
10. Jay
11. Jennings
12. Lawrence
13. Madison
14. Marion
15. Monroe
16. Morgan
17. Parke
18. Perry
19. Putnam
20. Ripley
21. St. Joseph
22. Shelby
23. Vanderburgh
24. Vigo
25. Wayne
26. Whitley
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