Charter network authorized by Education One opens Portage School of Leaders

SOUTH BEND – The Career Academy Network of Public Schools, in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County, celebrated the grand opening of The Portage School of Leaders, The Club Teen Center and Future Lab with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Jan. 19.

The Career Academy Network of Public Schools is authorized by Education One, Trine University’s charter school authorizer.

“This ribbon-cutting and grand opening marks the reimagining of the high school experience and our school’s commitment to a culture that revolves around student agency, where students experience a sense of freedom and responsibility within a community of learners,” said Jeremy Lugbill, Superintendent of Career Academy Network of Public Schools. “We are excited to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County to provide our community’s teens with relevant and purposeful learning opportunities.”

“The Club” Teen Center, part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County, is located at The Portage School of Leaders and serves youth ages 13 to 18 from across the community.

“At Boys & Girls Club, we understand that empowering teens involves preparing them for the future. That's why The Club places special emphasis on workforce development and career exploration,” said Jacqueline Kronk, Chief Executive Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County. “Our unique programming collaborates with local industries and businesses, offering mentorship, job opportunities, and exposure to diverse career pathways. In addition, The Club serves as a safe haven during non-traditional hours, staying open until 9 pm during the week. This extended availability is designed to provide teens in our community with a supportive environment beyond typical academic hours – a place where they can continue to connect, learn, and grow.”

All Club kids served across Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County sites, including those enrolled in The Club Teen Center, will have access to Career Academy Network of Public School’s onsite Future Lab—a dynamic, interdisciplinary space that gives real access to state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.

“The goal is to empower a new generation of skilled professionals who contribute meaningfully to their communities,” added Lugbill. “The lab combines technical education with entrepreneurship, guiding students in transforming ideas into marketable products. The engineering space, in particular, features the country's only high school Markforged metal 3D printer.”

South Bend Mayor James Mueller attended Friday’s ceremony, as well as Congressman Rudy Yakym and Dr. Katie Jenner, chair of the Indiana State Board of Education, who attended virtually.

“The Portage School of Leaders, The Club Teen Center, and Future Lab collectively embody innovation and a commitment to empowering our community’s youth,” Mueller said. “I’m excited about the positive impact this collaboration will have on our community’s future leaders and innovators.”

"We are beyond excited to see high school students in South Bend benefit from the opening of The Portage School of Leaders in partnership with The Club Teen Center and the Future Lab,” said Lindsay Omlor, executive director of charter schools for Education One. “This school truly embodies the spirit of the charter movement, centering on innovative ways to meet the unique needs of all students in the community.”

Located in the former Temple Beth-El building at 306 W. Marion St. in South Bend, The Portage School of Leaders and The Club are open for enrollment.

Parents, students and teens can visit www.theportageschool.careeracademysb.com and www.bgcsjc.org/theclub-teencenter to learn more.