INDIANAPOLIS – Cass County was recognized Tuesday as an Indiana College Success County for its work to increase the percentage of Hoosiers with education and training beyond high school. Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers presented the award during a special ceremony held at the Indiana Statehouse.
Kevin Bostic, President of Ivy Tech’s Logansport campus, traveled to Indianapolis to accept the award on the behalf of the entire Cass County College Success Coalition..
“We are incredibly grateful for the work local leaders from Cass County are doing through their College Success Coalition to increase education and training beyond high school,” said Lubbers. “Improving the number of Hoosiers prepared to meet employer needs only happens when the vision is shared by the entire community—educators, businesses and local leaders.”
The Indiana College Success County award is presented to counties that establish a College Success Coalition of community organizations that work together to increase college access and success. Member organizations in Cass County include local schools, community groups and businesses. There are currently 38 total member organizations countywide that have completed 152 total activities to increase college and career preparation.
Cass County College Success Coalition Steering Team Members
- Chris Armstrong, Logansport Community Development Director
- Kevin Bostic, Campus President of Ivy Tech Logansport
- Anthony Cozzello, Faith-based Organization
- Greg Grostefon, Columbia Middle School Principal
- John Hipskind, Chamber of Commerce
- Scott Kraud, Service Club Member
- Lori Lange, Campus Director of Trine University
- Amy Parraga, Youth Service Organization
- Karin Ulerick, Pioneer Junior-Senior High School Counseling Director
Earning the College Success County Award
To earn the Indiana College Success County award, member organizations created a data-driven strategic plan and documented locally implemented activities designed to increase the percentage of high school graduates and returning adults who earn a postsecondary credential, including one-year workforce certificates, two- and four-year college degrees, apprenticeships and military training. The county also received a small startup grant and on-going technical assistance from the state to support the coalition’s development.
Recognized counties receive a road sign proclaiming the county an “Indiana College Success County.”
Joining the College Success Coalition
Local organizations are encouraged to join the county’s College Success Coalition and help create a college-going culture in Cass County. The Coalition envisions that all citizens will have access to people who know how to plan, prepare and pay for education beyond high school.
Local organizations can join the College Success Coalition at LearnMoreIndiana.org/Coalitions.