SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Career Academy Network of Public Schools has been invited to attend
the third annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala in Indianapolis on Sept.
6.
This black-tie event awards nearly $5 million to schools and educators, celebrating
and elevating work to support student learning. Career Academy Network of Public
Schools (CANoPS) has been selected as this year’s Excellence in Community Collaboration
recipient.
The Excellence in Community Collaboration award recognizes an individual school that
is maximizing support for students through strategic collaboration with local and
state partners. This includes development of partnerships that expand the school’s
reach within or beyond the community.
CANoPS’ prioritization of partnerships, particularly with the Boys & Girls Clubs of
St. Joseph County (BGCSJC), to respond to state and community needs made it a stand-out
candidate.
CANoPS and BGCSJC have fostered creation of collaborative solutions since the pandemic.
As of February 2024, the two BGCSJC at the Career Academy campuses serve the largest
number of K-12 students compared to their other sites.
The two organizations have focused on expansion of high-quality learning opportunities
through their joint partnership in response to the Indiana Department of Education’s
Explore, Engage, and Experience (3E) Grant. The awarded funds have allowed more career
and technical education (CTE) pathways for students, the creation of five Future labs,
and career exposure opportunities for not only CANoPS students, but BGCSJC’s more
than 2,100 Club members.
This work continues to foster an environment where community collaboration thrives.
Through the 3E initiative, CTE pathways and Work-based Learning programs have seen
enrollment growth and more students achieving certification before graduation. Community
speakers and field trips have allowed K-12 students to immerse themselves in pathways
from healthcare to precision machining.
Through this collaboration, the idea for a K-5 school was born and Success Academy
at Boys & Girls Club (SABGC), authorized by Education One at Trine University, opened
its doors in fall 2023.
SABGC is the first school located within a Boys and Girls Club in the country, with
a focus on career exploration and exposure through a personalized learning model.
With the grand opening of The Portage School of Leaders, also authorized by Education
One, the Future Lab/BGCSJC Teen Center opened its doors in downtown South Bend in
January of 2024. This unique space provides teens holistic learning opportunities
while offering a fun and safe environment for creation and community.
With the awarded grant from the IDOE, this collaboration will continue to thrive as
CANoPS utilizes its resources in neighboring counties and through new collaborations
for adult career training.
To learn more about Education One and the Career Academy Network of Public Schools
visit education1.org.