Officials Cut Ribbon on Energy Academy
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowMerrillville-based Northern Indiana Public Service Co. and the LaPorte County Career and Technical Education Program have launched what the state calls a first-of-its-kind program. The Energy Academy involves a pathway for students to gain hands-on experience, college credit and certifications in several high-skill fields. October 22, 2014
News Release
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Today, Governor Pence commended the partnership between NIPSCO and the LaPorte County Career and Technical Education Program on the creation of the state's first-ever Energy Academy. This new career and technical education (CTE) program offers hands-on experiences in electromechanical installation and maintenance, energy and environmental technology, public utilities, and residential and commercial energy. Students will be able to gain dual credit through Ivy Tech and earn professional certifications in their area of study.
“It is my hope that this new energy pathway will encourage students to consider future career opportunities in a truly up-and-coming field in this state,” Pence said. “Our administration is committed to ensuring that all of our young people finish high school ready to enter a career pathway or pursue a college degree, and I believe this new career and technical education curriculum will serve as a model for education partnerships in Indiana.”
The Governor was joined at the ribbon-cutting at the A.K. Smith Career Center in LaPorte by Mike Finissi, NIPSCO Chief Operating Officer, Audra Peterson, Director of LaPorte County Career and Technical Education, Don Babcock, Executive Director of Economic Development for NIPSCO, and Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, Superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools.
Since the start of his administration, Governor Pence has placed a renewed effort on ensuring students have two plan A's when it comes to their education, whether they choose college, other post- secondary education and professional certifications or move directly into a career field. State efforts are encouraging business and education collaborations, connecting what students are learning in the classroom with the jobs that are currently available.
Source: The Office of Governor Mike Pence