College Challenge program earns initial accreditation

Indiana State University's College Challenge program for high school students has earned initial accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.

College Challenge allows students at participating schools to take college-level classes for credit while still in high school, enabling them to complete a four-year degree sooner and at less expense.

"I am very pleased to recognize College Challenge at Indiana State University as one of a select group of concurrent enrollment partnerships nationwide accredited through NACEP's extensive peer-review process," said Becky Carter, NACEP accreditation committee chairman.

"Indiana State has demonstrated to its peers that the college courses it offers in high schools are of the same quality as courses offered on campus."

Indiana State is one of 13 colleges and universities earning initial accreditation or reaccreditation by NACEP for College Challenge programs.

Indiana High Schools participating in Indiana State's program are Area 30 Career Center in Greencastle, Danville, Medora, Northview, Orleans, Riverton Parke, Shakamak, South Vermillion, Sullivan, Terre Haute North Vigo, Terre Haute South Vigo, West Vigo, Whiteland and Turkey Run.

Teresa Lubbers, Indiana's commissioner for higher education, said the state has worked with NACEP for many years to develop and sustain quality concurrent enrollment partnerships.

"Our colleges and universities have been national leaders in partnering with high schools to increase college and career readiness," Lubbers said. "It is critical that institutions uphold high academic standards so that students are prepared to graduate college on time and fully benefit from the financial savings of completing college courses while in high school."

Ken Brauchle, dean of extended learning at Indiana State, said the College Challenge dual enrollment program is important for student success and affordability.

"We have made a concerted effort to expand and improve our dual enrollment programing over the past several years to better serve Indiana," Brauchle said. "Obtaining accreditation from NACEP provided a nationally recognized quality standard to aim for. We are very happy we have met these high standards and have a solid framework to continuously evaluate our College Challenge programing."

More information about Indiana State's College Challenge program is available at www.indstate.edu/challenge or by calling the 812-237-2334.