The first graduating class of KIPP Indy Legacy High School is set to walk across the stage next month.
Since the school’s inception, to guarantee student success school leaders have taken the unique approach of ensuring their almost 400 students are in a safe and supported space.
As students prepare to embark on their next journey, Dr. YeVonne Jones, the managing director of postsecondary education for the school, said she is proud of their accomplishments so far.
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“Working with this class of seniors we support them regardless of where they’re going.
Whether it’s a four-year, two-year or anything else, they’re ready for it.
It’s been extraordinary to watch how they’ve been able to navigate this year in particular,” said Jones.
The students lost two of their peers to gun violence during the pandemic. Their school also lost a member of its staff earlier this year.
Preparing students for graduation
David Spencer, the school’s leader, said he saw this graduating class work together and encourage one another to succeed despite facing numerous hardships.
He said that he has watched these students mature and grow since they were in middle school and that this group of seniors wants to be successful.
“To watch them identify who they want to be and how they want to impact the world, the world gets to see what we’ve seen inside these walls in the last four years,” said Spender.
School leaders plan to stay in contact with alumni after they graduate to act as a support system.
“If not every day, it’s every other day that we hold seminars based on class schedules to discuss their college application process, job readiness, resumes, LinkedIn accounts, even preparing them for other things like getting a license or IDs to apply to jobs,” said Jones.
Their goal is to ensure that each student obtains the best academic, social and emotional fit after graduating.
The value of higher education
In his recent State of Higher Education Address, Chris Lowery, the Indiana commissioner for higher education, outlined the HOPE (Hoosier Opportunities and Possibilities Through Education) agenda. He discussed the challenges facing higher education, including declining enrollment, completion and graduation retention rates.
In fact, only 53% of Indiana high school graduates from the class of 2020 pursued higher education, a 12% decline over the last five years.
Despite these challenges, Indiana set a goal over a decade ago to have at least 60% of Hoosiers with a quality credential beyond high school by 2025.
While the pandemic may have slowed progress, educators and policymakers are working to ensure that more students have access to higher education and the opportunities it provides.
KIPP Indy Legacy High School leaders said that their students are proof that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
“We’re going to be checking in on them every semester. Students will be doing what’s called FERPA waivers so we can get transcript access,” said Jones. “We’re going to be sending care packages to those entering the work force. Even gifts and gas cards to let them know we’re thinking of them.”
They have over 80 students who are on track for graduation on May 18.
Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at 317-607-5792 or by email jadej@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON
