This fall has flown by at The Pursuit Institute as we create new partnerships and refine our existing programs. As we wrap up the semester, many of our programs are vigorously preparing for certification exams so students can participate in internships in the spring. Best of luck to all of our Cybersecurity, Dental, CCMA, Vet Science, Pharmacy Technician students as you study for your certifications! We believe in you!

The Pursuit Institute will be attending the following events to advertise our programs and answer questions! Be sure to stop by!

• Sheridan High School Class Meetings, January 13
• Carmel High School Course Preview Night, January 13
  
• Fishers High School Course Preview Night, January 15
• Hamilton Southeastern High School Course Preview Night, January 16

A collaboration between The Pursuit Institute and OTTI offers an exceptional opportunity for juniors and seniors in Hamilton County to participate in a Surgical Technician program focused on Ophthalmology. This program aims to equip students with a thorough understanding of eye health and vision care, while also providing exposure to eye surgeries and the various responsibilities of a surgical technician. It typically combines theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, enabling participants to engage meaningfully with the field. By enrolling in this program, students can also improve their skills and career opportunities by becoming members of HOSA-Future Health Professionals.

As awareness of vision health increases, the need for qualified professionals in the eyecare sector is also rising. Factors such as prolonged screen time, an aging demographic, and environmental conditions contribute to the growing prevalence of vision-related issues. In light of this urgent demand, OTTI believes that launching a student program in eyecare is a vital opportunity to nurture the next generation of vision care experts. The primary goal of this program is to educate and empower young individuals about the significance of eye health. By introducing students to the intricacies of vision care in high school, we aim to ignite interest in potential career paths within this vibrant industry. The program will also promote healthier habits from a young age by teaching students about preventive care and the importance of regular eye examinations. Additionally, a distinctive feature of our program is the facilitation of mentorship opportunities, connecting students with industry professionals. These relationships not only enrich the educational experience but also create valuable networks that can lead to future career advancements for the students. Ultimately, our student program is poised to play a pivotal role in developing a skilled workforce committed to improving vision care.

-Article contributed by Siminda Rasnake, Surgical Tech Program Director, OTTI

Jacob has been nominated by his instructors for his excellent performance in the Aviation Program!

Jacob is a pleasure to have in the Aviation Management course. Jacob is consistent in participation in any capacity and leads class discussions in accident case studies, airport management theories as well as Crew Resource Management. With his passion for aviation, I can tell the course is coming naturally to him and he enjoys being present. Jacob also regularly stays after class and asks questions about topics in the Industry that we are not covering to further enhance his knowledge. - Chris Barlow, Ivy Tech

Jacob has demonstrated ownership and accountability in his aviation studies as well as his class grade. On several occasions, Jacob has asked for advice on study resources. Additionally, Jacob actively tries to connect his external aviation endeavors to material we cover in class. - Clayton Brown, LIFT Academy

Jacob is a junior at Noblesville High School. He will take the second year of TPI's Aviation Management Program as a senior and hopes to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot after graduation. Congratulations Jacob!

Congratulations to Cole Chaney (Hamilton Southeastern High School), Ty Thomasson (Fishers High School), and Keaton Orff (Noblesville High School)! All three students passed their CompTia Security + Certification this month and are in the process of interviewing for internships with Knowledge Services. We are very proud of you!

I recently visited with Ball State’s T-RAP apprentice, Mackenna Johnson (NHS '24 Graduate), and mentor, Tyanna Isom, at an MP3 after-school program at Longfellow Elementary. I observed high- quality teaching and impactful mentorship. Tyanna praised Mackenna for her strong performance, intuitive classroom management, and teaching skills on par with effective classroom teachers. I observed best practices in mentoring, including modeling masterful teaching and a strong mentor-apprentice relationship. Mackenna excelled in using Socratic questioning, positive redirection, and elevating student voices. In learning stations, they differentiated instruction, guiding students with interactive manipulatives to achieve independent learning. Our teacher apprentices and mentors exemplify excellence, and I couldn’t be prouder of our apprentices’ growth and the impact they have on increasing student outcomes and strengthening the teacher workforce.

Mackenna participated in the The Pursuit Institute/Ball State Education Professions program and apprenticeship during the 2023-24 school year. She now attends Ball State and is a part of the Teacher's College while continuing their apprenticeship program.

Submitted by: Ben Fritch, Ph.D., Director of Teacher Pathway Programs

The annual KLR CPR Skills Event was held at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds on Thursday, November 21st. Students not only participated in CPR training but they were able to explore various careers in the medical fields by rotating between activity booths hosted by various local organizations and KLR staff. Booths hosted by outside parters included:

Optum: Students completed Pulse Oximetry

Riverview Health: Students drew blood from a fake arm, took blood pressure, and learned to administer injections in a small apparatus

PetVet 365: Students completed Animal CPR training

Benchmark Physical Therapy: Students checked each others range of motion using a goniometer and a balance test

Clean Slate: Students learned about becoming a CMA and working in the field of addiction medicine as well as provided a urine screening kit that the students were able to test as if they worked in the lab

Noblesville FD/EMT: Students worked to perform CPR, Ventilation (of a dummy), and shock using an AED

Thank you to all who attended, especially Chris Jensen, Mayor of Noblesville, who kicked the day off!

We are excited to announce the addition of an Early Childhood Education program in partnership with Ball State University and Kiddie Academy of Hamilton County. This pathway prepares students to not only pursue their degree in early childhood education, but to gain experience and get paid along the way. Students will attend virtual instruction with their Ball State professor 1-2 times a week. The other days, they will report to their paid work experience location with an early childhood education provider. Students will earn high school credits, college credits, and will be eligible to earn their Child Development Associate Credential.

I am very excited for this new partnership. This brings passionate early childhood students into our schools to gain experience with our professionals. I hope after these student's graduate, some would want to return to our programs as professionals that are highly trained. I am so hopeful that the students are excited about learning and passionate about children. In the past when we have had practicum students, they are passionate and excited about learning. The practicum students bring a new energy into the school. - Erika Ryan, Kiddie Academy

The Pursuit Institute is pleased to announce a new partnership with Aspire Indiana Health, through which students will be offered a new program in Community and Social Services. This pathway is relatively new in Indiana we are excited to provide this opportunity to students who are interested in social work and community health. Students will potentially earn dual credits through Ivy Tech and will be eligible to earn their Community Health Worker certification.

This program will meet from 1:00-3:00 at the brand new YMCA in Westfield. Students can look forward to guest speakers, shadowing opportunities and potential internships during the second year of the program.

Aspire Indiana Health is a nonprofit provider of comprehensive healthcare services with a legacy of nearly 60 years of serving the most vulnerable Hoosiers. With health centers in four Central Indiana counties, Aspire provides primary care, behavioral health therapy, addiction services, residential recovery and community support programs addressing the social drivers of health including housing and employment. Aspire is incredibly excited to partner with the Pursuit Institute to offer a pathway to human services to high school students interested in this career. We believe in the growth and development of individuals in the community we serve and look forward to providing robust educational and experiential opportunities to students within this program. -Statement from Aspire Indiana Health

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