It might seem early, but we have the 2025-26 school year on our minds! We are excited about our growth and our new opportunities for Hamilton County students. The Pursuit Institute continues to increase our enrollment and we have over 400 students registered for the fall. We are also delighted to be adding multiple new partners and 2 new programs. We are continuing to add dual credit opportunities with Ivy Tech and Vincennes University to our current programs, and are working to provide students with more capstone and paid internship opportunities. With the new diploma requirements for the Class of 2029, we are excited that our programs meet many of the dual credit, industry certifications, and work based learning requirements that will not only help students graduate, but also attain the enrollment and employment honors seals.

We are also looking forward to our new classroom space at the Westfield Washington Schools Life Ready Center (LRC)! They are beautiful spaces and we cannot wait to fill them with our amazing students!

Westfield Washington Schools is dedicated to preparing students for success by providing innovative educational opportunities that support career readiness and lifelong learning. With a focus on academic excellence, career and technical education, and community partnerships, WWS empowers students to be life-ready and equipped to meet the challenges of an evolving workforce. The Life Ready Center is a new addition to the Westfield Washington Schools campus, located at 851 E 181st St, Westfield, IN 46074, and is a shared space with the YMCA. This facility is a hub for students to explore career pathways, gain hands-on experience, and develop essential workforce skills.

The Pursuit Institute will host our first annual Awards Night on May 19th, 2025. Invitations will be sent out the week of April 28th.

If you are interested in engaging with Hamilton County Schools as an Industry Partner, and don't know where to start, we have created a "menu" of opportunities. Please feel free to fill out our Interest Form if you would like us to contact you to discuss your interest level!

The Education Professions Pathway offers high school students an exciting opportunity to explore careers in education while earning college credits and gaining valuable work experience. Students can begin this pathway as early as their junior year, starting with the Principles of Education course in the fall. In the spring, they will take Child and Adolescent Development and Teaching & Learning.

In their senior year, apprentices will complete the Education Capstone courses, culminating in 15 college credit hours in education-related subjects that are transferable to Ball State University. In addition, students can stack other dual credit or Advanced Placement (AP) credits on top of these 15 hours.

While enrolled in these courses, apprentices will gain approximately 650 hours of paid, work-based learning experience in elementary classrooms or closely related after-school programs. This hands-on experience is supported by a dedicated mentor teacher who guides them throughout the process, giving them valuable insights and practical skills.

The Education Professions pathway is part of the broader Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program (T-RAP), providing the experiences and content knowledge needed to transition to higher education as a teaching major. As apprentices continue their education, those who attend Ball State University remain engaged in diverse, child-centered classrooms until they are ready for student teaching. The pathway culminates in a paid teaching residency, where apprentices complete their student teaching in their hometown school corporations and are guaranteed a job interview upon receiving their teaching license.

Author:

Ben Fritch, Ph.D.

Director of Teacher Pathway Programs

Pictured below: Ball State Teaching Apprentice, Mackenna Johnson at Longfellow Elementary School.

KLR has chosen Grant Cavanaugh (Hamilton Heights) as the exceptional student for this quarter. Grant has demonstrated excellence in class, successfully passing his national exam and consistently receiving positive feedback from his rotation site. Beyond his personal achievements, he stands out for his willingness to support others, frequently going out of his way to help classmates who seek his advice on exam preparation. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to both his own success and the success of his peers make him a well-deserving candidate for this recognition.

Caroline Vaughn (Westfield High School) has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill as an Education Professions apprentice. Her active participation in EDPS 250 has been outstanding, contributing thoughtful insights that elevate classroom discussions. She consistently completes assignments with excellence, setting a positive example for her peers. In the classroom, Caroline's teacher mentor praises her ability to manage a classroom with the poise of a seasoned educator, building strong relationships with her students and understanding their individual academic needs. Her students thrive under her guidance, and her future as an educator is incredibly bright. Caroline is truly deserving of this recognition.

Our program in partnership with LIFT and Ivy Tech is giving students a competitive edge on their college applications. Congratulations to everyone who has been admitted to these highly selective aviation programs!

Congratulations to all students who earned certifications during Semester 1!

Both of our Education Professions students who have enrolled in the teachers college for 2025-26 were recognized at the half time of a Ball State basketball game. They also participated in a signing event. Congratulations to Erin Luginbill (Noblesville High School) and Katie Brown (Hamilton Heights)! Chirp chirp!

The Pursuit Institute staff will visit each high school on the following dates to meet with students who are signed up for the 2025-26 School Year! We can't wait to meet you!

Carmel High School - Friday, May 9

Fishers High School - Monday, May 12

Hamilton Heights High School - Tuesday, May 13

Westfield High School - Tuesday, May 13

Sheridan High School - Wednesday, May 14

Noblesville High School - Wednesday, May 14

Hamilton Southeastern High School - Thursday, May 15

All students who have been accepted into the Prestige Esthetician and Cosmetology Programs for the 2025-26 are invited to attend a shadow day on May 3rd! Parents and Guardians are welcome to attend.

Republic Airways was kind enough to donate their table to TPI for the Taste of the Chamber event on February 13, 2025. We were surrounded by amazing non-profits organizations, local companies, and incredible food! TPI was able to make some new connections with potential partners interested in supporting our students in Hamilton County. Thank you!

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