Ivy Tech presenters tell Franklin County board dual-credit program saved students about $2.6 million since 2021

Ivy Tech representatives outlined their multi-year partnership with Franklin County schools at the board meeting Nov. 10, describing three pathways for students to earn college credit in high school: dual credit taught in the high school by Ivy Tech-credentialed teachers, online dual-enrollment courses and Advanced Placement.

Samantha Hardebeck and Chancellor Mark Graver said the district offers 33 dual-credit courses taught by credentialed faculty in high-school classrooms and has 14 dual-credit instructors (two added this school year). For the Class of 2025, Ivy Tech-reported results included 25 associate degrees awarded and 42 Indiana College Corps completers. Presenters said the partnership has resulted in more than 3,500 college credits earned by Franklin County students in grades 9–12 and estimated tuition savings of roughly $2.6 million from 2021 through the projected 2026 figures.

The presenters described supports that contribute to those outcomes: College Connection coaches who work in schools one day a week to case-manage students, local foundation scholarship dollars and internal district funds used after grant funding declined. Board members pressed for details on transferability of credits and teacher credentialing requirements; presenters said Ivy Tech credits are broadly transferable although final acceptance is determined by receiving institutions and that dual-credit instructors must typically have 18 graduate hours in the content area.

Board members and district staff praised the partnership's role in expanding opportunities for students and noted plans for continued outreach, college- and career-fair participation, and eighth-grade campus tours for exposure to Ivy Tech programs.

The presentation and Q&A are on the record in the meeting transcript (see SEG 473-1034).