Gary Charter Program Opens Bachelor Degree Pathway
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA dual-credit program at a Gary charter school and a graduate to also receive a high school diploma and bachelor’s degree are drawing national attention. The Indianapolis-based GEO Foundation runs the 21st Century Charter School in Gary and founder Kevin Teasley says high schools "can do a better job" providing opportunities for college credit. He was joined on Inside INdiana Business Television by Raven Osborne, who discussed her educational journey that included degrees from Ivy Tech Community College and Purdue University Northwest. Teasley says Osborne’s success shows educators can use "K-12 dollars get K-16 results."
GEO Foundation runs the 21st Century Academy and Gary Middle College in Gary, as well as Pike’s Peak Prep in Colorado and GEO Prep Academy and GEO Prep Mid-City of Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It has approximately 1,700 students in its system and says almost all move on to college or the military after graduation. Teasley says his experience and statistics show "the more college I can get them in high school, the more likely they are to complete college."
Osborne says her goal is to become a teacher. Her story has been featured on nationally by media outlets including CBS News and People magazine.