Purdue Polytechnic to Expand to South Bend
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPurdue Polytechnic High School is making plans to open its third campus, and the first outside of Marion county, now that the Indiana Charter School Board has approved the project.
Purdue says it intends to open the new STEM-focused school in South Bend in the fall of 2020.
The Purdue Polytechnic High School Network has two current facilities; one in downtown Indianapolis at Circle Centre and the other in Broad Ripple.
PPHS says it will work in conjunction with the South Bend Community School Corporation to create this unique educational opportunity.
“The… model is set up to encourage students to be passionate, self-directed learners with the grit and determination to see them through to a rigorous post-secondary education, or a challenging, sustainable career,” said Scott Bess, head of PPHS.
With a curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering and math, PPHS says its model gives students the tools and knowledge they need to success in a 21st century economy.
South Bend educators are welcoming the opportunity.
“A collaboration with Purdue Polytechnic High School would not only offer an additional means to earn college credits while in high school, but it also would provide guaranteed admission to the Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University for students who enroll in the program — a tremendous incentive for students,” said Todd Cummins, superintendent of the South Bend Community School Corp.
Students who get selected through a lottery system will benefit from internships, industry projects, dual credit courses and technical certifications, according to the school.
The school intends to enroll 125 students in its freshman class next school year. The location of PPHS South Bend has not been announced.