Ivy Tech Academy to launch, offer jumpstart to college

The vice chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College in Warsaw says a new partnership with Whitko Community School Corp. in Larwill will help prepare high school students for the rigors of college and save money for their families. Ivy Tech and Whitko announced the launch of Ivy Tech Academy. The academy will offer high school students a dedicated space to attend virtual college classes during the school day.

In an interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Allyn Decker said there are several benefits to the program.

“Not only time and money savings, but just readiness,” said Decker. “When a high school student can get a jump on that kind of academic rigor and understand the ropes and what’s required to really complete on time and to do college level work, they’re just that much more bound to be successful when they go off to college.”

The concept of taking college courses while still in high school is not new, but Decker says offering the classes virtually is a big step forward for the district. It gives Whitko students an opportunity to earn an entire year of transferable college credits without leaving the high school campus.

“So that students can come and go throughout the school day. Take an Ivy Tech course to be able to finish a credential, maybe even hopefully the Indiana College core, which is that 30 credit hour core of first year college course,” Decker said.

The academy will be housed in a former library space at Whitko Jr.-Sr. High School, which is located in the Whitley County town of South Whitley. Ivy Tech says electronic equipment has already been delivered, and renovations and upgrades to the space will take place this summer.

The college says students will be able to start using the facility during the next school year.