CELL awarded $2M federal grant to expand successful program to 12 high schools across Indiana
The Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis has been awarded a $2 million federal Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand its successful Indiana Pathways to Careers and Postsecondary (P-CAP) program to 12 additional high schools across Indiana.
P-CAP is an innovative education model designed for high school students with high potential who are disengaged in school and are at risk of dropping out. The first cohort in the program saw a 28% grade point average increase and a 5% attendance increase from the end of eighth grade to the end of ninth grade. P-CAP programs accelerate student engagement and achievement by preparing them for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand industry sectors in the local economy.
P-CAP was established in 2022 through a $1.4 million Explore, Engage and Experience (3E) grant from the Indiana Department of Education to CELL. Logansport High School, Lincoln High School in Vincennes, Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and Winchester Community High School worked with CELL as founding schools beginning in 2022, with the first student cohort beginning during the 2023-2024 academic year. The addition of 12 new cohort schools will bring the total number of schools in the P-CAP Network to 19.
Now, the four founding schools will mentor new cohort schools as part of the grant, fostering school-to-school learning and collaboration.
“P-CAP gives hope to students who were otherwise floundering to find their niche, passion, or purpose,” said Christy Diehl, secondary curriculum director for Logansport Community School Corporation and lead principal of their P-CAP program at Logansport High School. “Being able to mentor other schools to give hope to other self-proclaimed hopeless students through this model would be nothing short of an honor and a gift that every student deserves.”
Students in a P-CAP program have the opportunity to complete a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, earn a stackable workplace credential and earn dual credit for college. The model also brings industry partners into the high school experience through quarterly workplace learning challenges, connecting learning with real-world application. P-CAP students experience integrated core classes with smaller class sizes, deepening relationships with faculty and other students.
As part of the RPED grant, new cohort schools, located in rural regions of the state, will align with valuable CTE pathways available to students. The funding will allow schools to designate a P-CAP classroom space with the equipment needed and cover some of the costs related to implementing the program, such as staffing, supplies and professional development.
“Our vision at CELL is that all students experience a meaningful and high-quality education,” said Carey Dahncke, executive director at CELL. “P-CAP has helped students who didn’t see themselves graduating from high school not only to experience better educational outcomes but also to gain confidence and real-world skills alongside postsecondary and industry partners. We are thrilled that P-CAP can be expanded and sustained to serve more schools and students.”
Rural schools can apply to be one of the 12 new cohort schools launching a P-CAP program through the RPED grant. Applications for Cohort 1 close Tuesday, September 10. Non-rural schools that are interested in implementing P-CAP can work with CELL as a technical service provider using local Title 2 funds. Schools interested in learning more about P-CAP can contact Tracy Butler, CELL’s Director of Postsecondary Readiness, at butlert@uindy.edu.
One hundred percent of the total $2,033,670.63 budget is funded through the federal grant.
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with a local school P-CAP team, please contact Andrea Fisher at fisherae@uindy.edu.
