Some local high schools have been chosen to take part in Indiana's new Urban College Acceleration Network (UCAN). The Indiana Department of Education says UCAN will connect established Early College High Schools with those seeking the designation. That program helps schools put together a system that lets students earn college credits alongside their high school diploma, with support from the University of Indianapolis' Center of Excellence in Leadership and Learning.
Locally, Hobart High School has been selected as a UCAN mentor school. Hammond Central, Morton High School and West Side Leadership Academy will be partner schools. They'll be able to get coaching and support for Early College coursework, along with professional development, at no cost.
The Indiana Department of Education says UCAN is based on a similar model that's been put in place for rural schools. The program is being supported with $4.1 million in federal COVID-19 money from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund.