Ivy Tech doubles degrees, certificates given to local high school students

Ivy Tech South Bend-Elkhart said that is has doubled the number of degrees and certificates being awarded to local high school students during the 2019 Commencement Ceremony on May 10.

696 students from high schools in both Elkhart and St. Joseph counties will receive a degree or certificate as part of their enrollment in Ivy Tech’s dual credit program this year, more than double the number of students from last year.

Nearly 250 Elkhart Schools students are eligible to walk in the commencement ceremony on Friday.

“I’m going to be going into college as a sophomore so that’s great it helps save a lot of money and I’ll be done with most of my perquisites so I’ll be ahead of a lot of people,” Senior Lauren Yoder said.

Penn High School also has nearly 100 students graduating from Penn’s Early College Academy this spring, with about 48 earning their associate’s degree through the college.

Mason Mischler, a senior at Penn High School, will be walking in Friday’s ceremony to receive his associate’s degree.

“I’m excited. I’m a little bit nervous.  I’ve never been a part of a commencement before but it’s really exciting to know that all of the hard work has paid,” Mischler said.

On Friday morning, the school hosted a College Signing Day for their Early College Academy students working with Ivy Tech. Seniors spoke with younger students about the opportunities that are available with the program.

“I think the dual credit is really important for high schoolers because it helps them not only earn college credits early as a high school student, they can save a lot on tuition, get ahead on their college work but it helps them develop the skills necessary to be successful in college when they make the leap after high school,” Jon Joyner, a College Connection Coach at Ivy Tech, said.

Watch the video below to find out what some of the students at these two schools are up to after graduation.