A new program from the Indiana Department of Education will allow students from faith-based schools to earn college credit while in high school.
Leaders of the Independent Colleges of Indiana and Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner announced the Professional Pathway credential Tuesday. The credential, similar to the Indiana College Core, will allow students to complete a block of 30 credit hours of specified general education courses during high school and transfer all the credits to any of the six participating private higher education institutions: Anderson University, Bethel University, Grace College, Huntington University, Indiana Wesleyan University and Taylor University.
“This announcement adds to our state’s growing list of partners who want to ensure Hoosier students have a more seamless path to their future, whether that includes continuing their education, going straight into the workforce or serving in our Nation’s military,” Jenner said in a news release. “As we seek to maximize the four years of high school, this is yet another option for students to earn guaranteed currency before ever leaving high school and get a jumpstart on their future.”
IDOE says it anticipates the new credential will be primarily offered through faith-based high schools in Indiana, thereby increasing access to the new honors plus readiness seals. The endorsements were approved, along with new high school diploma requirements, by the Indiana State Board of Education last December. The current high school diplomas are set to be phased out by 2029.
“Indiana’s commitment to diverse and rigorous educational pathways reflects a shared conviction that education is key to our collective future,” said Taylor University President Michael Lindsay. “The Professional Pathway credential ensures that students who desire faith-based options are well served while meeting the highest academic standards. It’s a wonderful example of preparing young people for meaningful futures in college, in career and in life.”
tudents who complete any portion of the 30 credits will still have them accepted by the six institutions as equivalencies or elective credit, to be determined on a course-by-course basis.
Advanced Placement credit earned in equivalent courses can also be applied to the 30-credit block, with students able to earn a maximum of 15 credits from AP.