Crossing the Finish Line Program allows high school students to accelerate education

High school students in Indiana can once again participate in Indiana’s Crossing the Finish Line Program this summer. According to the Indiana Department of Education website, “Crossing the Finish Line provides free tuition and books (and covers fees!) at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University for students who are just a few credits away from completing their credential.”

Students who qualify can accelerate the completion of several programs such as a career and technical education certificate, an associate degree, or the Indiana College Core.

The program began in the summer of 2021 with the goal of increasing postsecondary program completions. Almost 2,000 students from over 275 high schools in grades ranging from kindergarten through high school seniors in Indiana took part in the program that year. So far almost $1.5 million has been saved in tuition and textbooks. 

This, led by the Indiana Department of Education, is made possible through a partnership with Vincennes University, Ivy Tech Community College, the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, and the Commission for Higher Education.

In an interview with WTHI-TV 10, Indiana Secretary of Education, Dr. Katie Jenner, said of the program, “We know that educational attainment has a far-reaching impact on a student’s future – including on their health, living wage, employment and sustained earning, through the Crossing the Finish Line initiative, thousands of high school students across Indiana will have an opportunity to complete a high-value credential or industry certification for free this summer. One summer’s worth of work – combined with previous dual credit, dual enrollment, or advanced placement courses – can have a lifetime of impact for our students by increasing their educational attainment."

President of Vincennes University Dr. Chuck Johnson added, "Vincennes University is proud to join this important and timely effort to help Hoosier students and families reach important milestones in their educational journey. VU is committed to making additional courses and seats available to students who take advantage of this great opportunity and we will work hard to assist them with taking the next steps in their education and careers."

High school counselors will be provided with a list of students who are eligible, and classes begin in June. Interested students who are eligible can contact Ivy Tech or Vincennes University for enrollment.