Casey Harrison
CEO, Polished Strategic Communications
Indiana
When it comes to education in the United States, there’s work to do. A recent report released by the Lumina Foundation outlined the post-high school educational attainment of Americans ages 25 to 64. Since 2009, that figure has increased by 16 percentage points, and while that’s progress, it’s not enough to reach 60 percent by 2025. Dramatic action is needed to equip today’s talent pool with the tools to access educational attainment—and there are more than a few schools innovatively leading the way.
A National Challenge
The Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. Their latest report, The State of Higher Education in 2023, reveals that despite declining enrollment in many U.S. higher education institutions, the perception of the importance of a college degree remains high among adults. The study, conducted by Gallup and Lumina Foundation, surveyed a diverse group of respondents, including currently enrolled students, those who started but dropped out, and individuals who have never enrolled in higher education.
Key findings indicate that while currently enrolled students face challenges in remaining in their programs, a growing number—particularly Black, Hispanic, male students—are considering pausing their studies due to emotional stress, mental health concerns, and financial pressures. However, there is still significant interest in pursuing higher education, with nearly half of respondents considering enrolling in a degree or certificate program in the past two years.
Among those who have stepped out of a postsecondary program, a majority have considered re-enrolling, indicating a strong desire to continue their education. Black and Hispanic adults, particularly women, showed more interest in enrolling compared to previous years.
Financial barriers, including program costs, inflation, and the need to work, are cited as significant reasons for not currently being enrolled. However, there is a growing awareness of alternative pathways such as associate degrees and short-term credentials, especially among women and older adults.
The report underscores the complex challenges and aspirations shaping the landscape of higher education in the United States, underscoring the importance of addressing barriers and providing accessible pathways to educational opportunities for all individuals. As we navigate these challenges, it becomes increasingly clear that the traditional trajectory from school to workforce is undergoing a profound transformation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the innovative approaches taken by schools like GEO Next Generation Indianapolis, Geo Focus Academy of Indiana, and Providence Cristo Rey College & Career Preparatory High School. These institutions are not only redefining the education experience but also reshaping the future workforce by providing students with unparalleled opportunities and support.
GEO Next Generation Indianapolis
GEO Next Generation Indianapolis’ mission is rooted in empowering students to accelerate their academic pathways, advance their social mobility, and achieve their lifelong goals. Central to GEO’s model is a student-centered, competency-based K-12 education approach that targets the closing of achievement gaps starting from elementary school. By ensuring that middle school students are at least on high school grade level by the summer before their ninth grade, GEO simultaneously prepares its students to embark on college coursework as early as ninth grade, setting them on a trajectory for success.
One of the hallmark programs at GEO Next Generation Academy Indianapolis is the College Immersion Program, a hyper-personalized, dual enrollment initiative where high school students begin taking college classes on a college campus as early as the ninth grade. Remarkably, GEO covers all associated costs and provides comprehensive academic, social, and emotional support to facilitate students’ acquisition of real-life skills and the development of the confidence needed to earn valuable degrees by the time they graduate from high school. Instead of telling their students that college is attainable, GEO staff and administration take their students’ hands and quite literally walk them into college classrooms.
Founded by Kevin Teasley, who transitioned from a background in politics and public policy to establish GEO in 1998, the academy represents a response to the glaring disparities in educational access and outcomes, particularly among Black and Brown communities. GEO’s journey from its grassroots beginnings to its current network of schools across multiple cities underscores a commitment to empowering families from low-income backgrounds with educational choices.
“When GEO first launched, we’d continually talk about the importance of graduating from high school and continuing education at college, and we realized that the mindset shift we were alluding to wasn’t effective—so we tried something different,” Teasley said. “By actually removing barriers—like tuition, transportation, and book costs—we started putting students in college while they were in high school.”
At the helm of GEO Next Generation Academy Indianapolis is Principal Tiffany Evans, who embodies the academy’s ethos of being a beacon of success for overlooked student populations. With a diverse student body comprising 48% Hispanic, 48% African American, and other ethnicities, the academy faces unique challenges, which Evans embraces with enthusiasm. She prioritizes fostering genuine connections with students, holding them accountable, and providing them with real-world experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
“For many of our scholars, school has become their safe haven,” explained Evans. “So here, we lead with love, but we also challenge them to rise to their highest selves. For example, when scholars ask me for things—additions to the building or new projects—I challenge them to write a business proposal. If they’re able to articulate what they want, how they’re going to achieve it, and what resources they need—they’ve already developed skills that will serve them throughout the rest of their lives.”
Moreover, GEO Next Generation Academy Indianapolis represents a transformative shift in educational paradigms, not only in preparing students for college but also in equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary for success in the workforce. By alleviating the financial burdens associated with higher education and emphasizing the importance of community support, the academy creates an environment where students can thrive and exceed expectations.
GEO Focus Academy of Indiana
GEO Focus Academy of Indiana stands as a beacon of accessible, quality education regardless of student background or geographical limitations. In partnership with the Greater Education Opportunities Foundation and K12, GEO Focus Academy of Indiana is committed to inspiring and empowering students through a personalized educational experience.
At the heart of GEO Focus Academy of Indiana is its commitment to online education, recognizing the value and flexibility it offers students in today’s rapidly evolving world. Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the academy provides a platform where students as young as 13 can embark on a journey of academic and personal growth, taking up to five Ivy Tech Community College courses per semester. This unique opportunity allows students to pursue their educational goals while offering them the ability to earn an associate degree before graduating high school, setting them on a path toward a brighter future.
“Our goal isn’t just to watch our students graduate with a high school diploma,” said Dr. Vicky Creasy, academic administrator. “We encourage every student to leverage our partnership with Ivy Tech Community College enabling them to graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree. Not only does this experience help our students prepare for, and begin adjusting to life after college, but it enables them to achieve their Bachelor’s Degree sooner—reducing time and money spent.”
Beyond academic excellence, GEO Focus Academy of Indiana places a strong emphasis on guiding students toward meaningful career pathways. Through comprehensive counseling and exposure to various industries, students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions from an early age—and these conversations start naturally in the virtual classroom, allowing all students to begin envisioning their future and a path toward college and career. Whether aspiring to pursue higher education or enter the workforce directly, the academy equips students with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in their chosen paths.
“Career Days are incredibly important to our school and have become treasured by our students and their families,” shared Louis Cowell, operations manager. “Through those and our GO Week—where elementary school teachers host college visits virtually to show students around the campus—we’re helping entire families realize that college is affordable and attainable.”
What sets GEO Focus Academy of Indiana apart is its unwavering commitment to accessibility and affordability. By offering tuition-free education through vouchers and scholarships, the academy ensures that financial barriers do not hinder students’ access to quality education. Moreover, GEO Focus Academy of Indiana provides students with essential tools such as computers and personalized support services, further enhancing their learning experience.
“In many ways, coming to GEO simultaneously makes college education more affordable to families with a lower income,” Creasy explained. “The first two years are paid for by GEO Focus while students are taking college courses during their high school years which immediately reduces future debt. Additionally, those who are performing well in their college courses are often able to secure greater scholarship dollars because they’ve already proven they can succeed in the environment.”
GEO Focus Academy of Indiana creates a nurturing environment where every student can thrive. Through small class sizes, individualized attention, and proactive support for social and emotional needs, the academy fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among its students that propel them down pathways toward a more successful future.
Providence Cristo Rey College & Career Preparatory High School
Providence Cristo Rey High School is a beacon of transformational education, blending a challenging college and career preparatory curriculum with a nurturing, faith-based environment. Nestled in Indianapolis, this Catholic, coeducational institution is committed to empowering students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to reach their fullest potential and become compassionate, socially responsible leaders in society.
Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, Providence Cristo Rey High School embodies the rich tradition of Catholic education and service. With a mission rooted in the values of love, mercy, and justice, the school provides students with a holistic educational experience that encompasses academic rigor, faith formation, and professional development.
Academically, Providence Cristo Rey High School ensures that all students receive a comprehensive education, including four years of English, Math, and Science. Graduates earn either an Indiana Core 40 or Core 40 with an Academic Honors diploma, with opportunities to pursue advanced coursework such as advanced placement (AP) and dual credit courses in various subjects. Since its inception, the school has maintained an impressive track record, with 100% of seniors accepted to college and over 80% graduating with college credits.
Central to the school’s unique approach is its Corporate Work Study Program where students gain invaluable professional skills by working one day each week at over 100 corporate partners. Not only does this program help offset tuition costs, but it also provides students with real-world experience in diverse fields such as law, technology, healthcare, and finance. Coupled with continuous training in professional and soft skills, students graduate with at least 1,000 hours of professional work experience, setting them apart in today’s competitive job market.
In addition to academic and professional development, Providence Cristo Rey High School fosters a vibrant faith-based community where students of all backgrounds are welcomed and supported. Through Catholic Theology classes, monthly Masses, retreats, and opportunities for peer ministry, students deepen their spiritual growth and cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose.
“While we’re boasting some of the largest enrollment numbers to date, and while that’s great, we want to ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed,” shared Fred Yeakey, Chief Partnership Officer. “At our school, our classes are intentionally small, our student-teacher ratio is 13 to one. In addition, our students have access to two licensed social workers—one focused on social-emotional and the other on family—we also have a dean of students, a behavior interventionist, a college and career counselor, an alumni academic counselor, and a student success counselor. For a school our size, that’s unheard of, but we recognize that our mission is to come, serve, and remove as many barriers as possible for our students and their families.”
Committed to accessibility, the school offers financial aid and scholarships to all students, ensuring that no student is denied a quality education due to financial constraints. With a focus on affordability and inclusivity, Providence Cristo Rey High School provides transportation, laptops, and uniform vouchers to all students, removing barriers to academic success. In addition to these services, Cristo Rey also leverages corporate partnerships to innovate around student needs.
“We have a club called the Barbershop Male Mentoring Initiative, a place where males can gather, unpack, and unwind,” Yeakey shared. “Though they don’t learn how to cut hair, they can get a haircut, but this is a space where our young men can access mentorship and brotherhood. Our partners, Eight Eleven Foundation who support this initiative, have transformed a small room into a state-of-the-art barbershop, but it’s so much more than a barbershop. It’s a place where these young men can belong.”
At Providence Cristo Rey High School, students recite the Providence Cristo Rey Pledge each morning, affirming their commitment to uphold the school’s values of integrity, excellence, and service. With a shared dedication to creating a more just society and a brighter future, students embark on a journey of personal and academic growth, guided by the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence and compassion.
Empowered after Graduation
Access to quality education and college and career readiness programs plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the workforce and driving economic growth within communities. By investing in education and providing opportunities for skill development, individuals are equipped with the knowledge, expertise, and resources necessary to succeed in the evolving job market and contribute positively to society.
Quality education serves as the foundation for developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of emerging industries and technological advancements. Through rigorous academic curricula and hands-on learning experiences, students acquire critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in diverse career pathways. Moreover, exposure to advanced coursework, vocational training, and internships prepares students for the demands of the modern workforce, fostering innovation and adaptability.
College and career readiness programs also enhance individuals’ preparedness for entering the workforce by bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application. These programs offer opportunities for students to explore various career paths, gain practical experience through internships and apprenticeships, and develop industry-specific skills aligned with market demands. By equipping students with relevant expertise and professional competencies, college and career readiness programs empower them to pursue higher education, secure meaningful employment, and pursue entrepreneurship ventures.
Investments in education and workforce development yield far-reaching benefits for communities, driving economic prosperity and fostering social mobility. A well-educated and skilled workforce attracts businesses and industries seeking talent, innovation, and productivity, stimulating job creation and economic growth. Moreover, individuals with access to quality education and career advancement opportunities experience higher earning potential, improved job security, and enhanced quality of life, thereby reducing income inequality and poverty rates within communities.
Furthermore, an educated and skilled workforce catalyzes entrepreneurship and innovation, spurring the creation of new businesses, technologies, and industries. By nurturing a culture of entrepreneurship and providing resources for business development, communities can capitalize on the talents and ambitions of their residents, fueling economic diversification and competitiveness on a regional and global scale.
Investing in quality education and expanding access to college and career readiness programs are essential strategies for shaping the future of the workforce and fostering economic growth. By empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive in the workforce, communities can unlock their full potential, drive innovation, and create sustainable prosperity for generations to come but it takes a commitment from the corporate community.
Supported by Community
The corporate community serves as a critical partner in shaping the next generation of the workforce. Through strategic collaborations and partnerships with high schools and universities, businesses can significantly contribute to preparing students for success in the professional world.
One of the key ways in which corporations can support this mission is by offering work-based learning opportunities such as internships, co-op programs, and apprenticeships. By providing students with hands-on experience in real-world settings, these initiatives enable them to apply classroom knowledge to practical scenarios, develop essential skills, and gain valuable insights into industry expectations and trends.
Moreover, corporations can play a pivotal role in shaping educational curricula to align with industry standards and emerging technologies. Through collaboration with educational institutions, businesses can provide input on skill requirements and industry needs, ensuring that students graduate equipped with relevant knowledge and expertise.
In addition to hands-on experience and curriculum development, the corporate community can contribute by engaging directly with students through guest lectures, mentoring programs, and professional development workshops. These interactions expose students to diverse career paths, professional networks, and valuable guidance, inspiring them to pursue their career goals with confidence.
Furthermore, through technology and resource-sharing initiatives, companies can donate state-of-the-art technologies, software, and resources to enhance learning opportunities and skill development in educational institutions. This investment in educational infrastructure empowers students and educators to stay abreast of industry advancements and technological innovations.
Financial support and scholarships are also crucial avenues through which corporations can promote diversity and inclusion within the workforce. By establishing scholarship programs and financial aid initiatives, businesses can reduce financial barriers to education, increasing access to higher education opportunities for students from underserved communities.
Through ongoing public-private partnerships, communities have the opportunity to support students and cultivate a new pool of talent to lead in business growth, job creation, quality of place, and economic impact. The opportunities are endless and the advantages are limitless.
Casey (Cawthon) Harrison has been a lifelong Hoosier since she was two years old. Harrison is a two-time graduate of IUPUI, most recently with her master’s in applied communication specializing in business media. Harrison currently serves as the vice president of marketing and communications with the Indy Chamber and recently celebrated her eleventh year as an associate faculty at IUPUI.