Indiana Department of Education awards Career Academy Network of Public Schools

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Career Academy Network of Public Schools has been invited to attend the third annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala in Indianapolis on Sept. 6. 

This black-tie event awards nearly $5 million to schools and educators, celebrating and elevating work to support student learning.  Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANoPS) has been selected as this year’s Excellence in Community Collaboration recipient.  

The Excellence in Community Collaboration award recognizes an individual school that is maximizing support for students through strategic collaboration with local and state partners.  This includes development of partnerships that expand the school’s reach within or beyond the community.

CANoPS’ prioritization of partnerships, particularly with the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County (BGCSJC), to respond to state and community needs made it a stand-out candidate.

CANoPS and BGCSJC have fostered creation of collaborative solutions since the pandemic.  As of February 2024, the two BGCSJC at the Career Academy campuses serve the largest number of K-12 students compared to their other sites.

The two organizations have focused on expansion of high-quality learning opportunities through their joint partnership in response to the Indiana Department of Education’s Explore, Engage, and Experience (3E) Grant. The awarded funds have allowed more career and technical education (CTE) pathways for students, the creation of five Future labs, and career exposure opportunities for not only CANoPS students, but BGCSJC’s more than 2,100 Club members.

This work continues to foster an environment where community collaboration thrives. Through the 3E initiative, CTE pathways and Work-based Learning programs have seen enrollment growth and more students achieving certification before graduation. Community speakers and field trips have allowed K-12 students to immerse themselves in pathways from healthcare to precision machining.

Through this collaboration, the idea for a K-5 school was born and Success Academy at Boys & Girls Club (SABGC), authorized by Education One at Trine University, opened its doors in fall 2023.

SABGC is the first school located within a Boys and Girls Club in the country, with a focus on career exploration and exposure through a personalized learning model. 

With the grand opening of The Portage School of Leaders, also authorized by Education One, the Future Lab/BGCSJC Teen Center opened its doors in downtown South Bend in January of 2024.  This unique space provides teens holistic learning opportunities while offering a fun and safe environment for creation and community.

With the awarded grant from the IDOE, this collaboration will continue to thrive as CANoPS utilizes its resources in neighboring counties and through new collaborations for adult career training.

To learn more about Education One and the Career Academy Network of Public Schools visit education1.org.