Schools expecting uptick in summer program enrollment

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- After a year of educational disruption, many school officials are expressing concern over the readiness of their students. Now, statewide, schools are seeing an uptick in their summer programs.

All of this happening as schools get out for the summer and educators still waiting for standardized testing results to be revealed mid – July. But one thing is expected… a drop-in performance.

Indiana department of Education, Indiana commission for Higher Education and Ivy Tech Community college introducing Indiana’s “Bridging the Gap” initiative. The program aiming to prepare many high school graduates who are not ready for college in 2021.

Following a difficult year of learning, all Ivy Tech campuses will be offering courses to at least 3,500 recent graduates to aid in college or career readiness. This access to summer programming is also found here locally. South Bend Community School Corporation and Penn Harris Madison bringing back both elementary and middle school programs. Mishawaka schools are  joining in on the options and offering a 3-week program.

All programming is expected to offer hands on experiences and in person learning…something missing after a difficult year.