Vincennes University partners with Herron-Riverside High School in Marian University initiative

Vincennes University has joined a Marian University-led initiative to increase lifelong education attainment. Through this initiative, Vincennes University is partnering with Herron-Riverside High School to provide 9th grade students with more Career and Technical Education opportunities.

According to an article on Vincennes University’s website, university President Dr. Chuck Johnson was quoted as saying of the university’s participation in the initiative, "Vincennes University’s collaboration with Herron-Riverside High School and Marian University reflects our unyielding commitment to empowering local youth. Students in the Near Northwest Area should have direct, high-quality access to in-demand workforce credentials, and VU is fully prepared to accelerate their path to professional success."

The partnership involves 9th grade students from Herron-Riverside High School being able to earn college credit and industry-recognized credentials through seven new educational pathways with Vincennes University. Currently, programs include construction trades, welding, cybersecurity, and pharmacy technician, with more programs under development.

These pathways will be available to Herron-Riverside High School students who are studying at The Grove at Cold Spring, which is part of Marian University’s Riverside Education Innovation District initiative. The goal of this initiative is to strengthen literacy and educational attainment in the Near Northwest Area of Indianapolis.

Herron-Riverside High School students will have career coursework built into their schedules. Part of their day will be spent at Vincennes University’s career training facility and the rest spent in their regular college-preparatory academic programs.

Emanuel Harper, the Head of School at Herron-Riverside High School, said, “At Herron-Riverside, scholars should not have to choose between college preparation and career preparation. This partnership allows us to expand what is possible for students in Indianapolis. Scholars can receive a rigorous, college-preparatory education while also gaining access to real-world career pathways that prepare them for college, career, and life. This is about giving scholars the best of both worlds. Herron-Riverside will continue to provide the strong academic foundation families expect from a college-preparatory school. This partnership adds access to meaningful career pathways that can help scholars enter high-wage fields, earn credentials, and see a clearer connection between high school and their future.”

Marian University’s president, Daniel J. Elsener, said, “Marian is thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside Vincennes University and Indianapolis' leading industry partners to offer exceptional career and technical education at The Grove at Cold Spring for scholars like those at Herron-Riverside High School. The Grove is a strategic and deep commitment of the Marian-led Riverside Education Innovation District to invest in individual opportunity and the vitality of our community.”

For more information about Vincennes University, visit the school’s website.