Earlier this week, the Greater Education Opportunities Foundation (“GEO Foundation”) announced a historic partnership with the Vigo County School Corporation (“VCSC”) and four higher education institutions that will result in more high school students earning free dual college credit. Here is the Tribune-Star article (https://www.tribstar.com/news/local_news/vigo-schools-land-1-2-million-grant/article_de61b731-9221-5faf-b354-051418c98463.html).

Students in Terre Haute will have the opportunity to attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Indiana State University, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, and Ivy Tech Community College and earn college and/or career credits/training. As a result of this unique collaboration, VCSC will receive $1.2 million to cover the cost of college credits and critical support services, including tutoring, academic counseling, and the hiring of social workers. All high school students in Vigo County schools are eligible to participate–for free!

We believe this kind of partnership is possible throughout the state and nation. GEO is providing this support via an $8.3 million Indiana Department of Education grant received last year. In addition to VCSC, we are supporting six other Indiana school systems in Gary, South Bend, Carmel, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. In Louisiana, while we don’t have a similar grant, we are still doing the work in Baton Rouge.

In order to meet workforce development goals, it is critical that we increase our attainment of college degrees and credentials. More of these types of collaborative and innovative partnerships–non-profits, schools, and higher education–must be front and center. This collaboration not only exposes students to college but also creates talent pipelines for high-demand industries such as agriculture, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and teaching.

Yesterday, FoxNews profiled our efforts and results in Gary, Indianapolis, and Baton Rouge. You can read the article here (https://www.foxnews.com/us/indiana-louisiana-high-schools-helping-low-income-students-associate-bachelor-degrees).

At GEO, we believe all children should have access to a quality education regardless of their race, income, and home zip code. Further, we believe access and experience in real college and career readiness programs are essential to prepare students for success beyond high school. To actualize these beliefs, GEO Academies has systematically built a student-centered, content-rich education model that delivers K-14 and K-16 results with K-12 dollars. By providing students an accelerated pathway to real college and career programs during high school, GEO Academies help thousands of families take the first steps to breaking the academic and psychological barriers prevalent in challenging communities across the country.

Sincerely,
Kevin Teasley
Founder & President GEO Foundation