New Tech in Northeast Indiana

With the dissemination of the newly recieved TOpS 2015 funds underway, foundations across the country are joining with the Lilly Endowment to facilitate the creation of New Tech High Schools, an effort which a portion of the TOpS 2015 grant will support. KnowledgeWorks Foundation recently announced a national $10 million grant to support the expansion of New Tech high schools, which includes Indiana schools.

6 Hoosier schools are currently operating under the Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) system and more than 20 schools are working toward implementation, with openings beginning in 2009. Up to 5 of these future New Tech schools will reside in northeast Indiana. Through ardent support from Governor Mitch Daniels and dedication from community leaders, Indiana has become the national leader in statewide New Tech development. In fact, Chad Wick, CEO of KnowledgeWorks explained that they "looked at approaches across the country, and found that Indiana is leading the way, with business and economic leaders, communities and school districts working together."

The achievement and collaboration the TOpS 2015 program represents highlights the understanding northeast Indiana communities have about what it takes to be successful and adapt to what youth and communities need. The interdependence amongst high school education, a community's quality of life and economic development is unquestionable and it is a bond that is growing stronger in northeast Indiana.