(La Porte County, IN) - New Prairie High School has been recognized statewide for its work in preparing students for the future.
The Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education announced New Prairie High School as Indiana’s American College Application Campaign School of Excellence Award winner.
According to school corporation officials, New Prairie High School earned the award for building an increased awareness of the opportunities and benefits of going to college for all grade levels. In addition to daily trivia contests and a spirit week, the school launched the College Bound Cougars program, which offers grade-specific lessons on college exploration, financial aid, admissions, career planning, and test preparation for all students in grades nine through 12.
Every student completed multiple career interest inventories, as well as preparation sessions for the PSAT and SAT. During College Application Week, New Prairie’s seniors submitted 376 college applications.
“New Prairie High School has shown a strong commitment to ensuring every student, including those who may be the first in their families to attend college, receives the support and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education.
“Through the College Bound Cougars program, students begin planning for the college application process as early as their freshman year, helping them prepare for colleges and careers. Whether a student chooses to enroll in college, go straight into a career, or serve in our nation’s military, understanding the range of possibilities for their future is essential to being prepared for their unique next step,” she said.
Each year, ACAC partners with coordinators in nearly every state and the District of Columbia to host college application events that encourage students to apply to college. As Indiana’s coordinator, the Commission selects one school to receive ACAC’s School of Excellence Award on behalf of the state.
“We are so excited and honored to receive this award for our state! Our student support services staff at New Prairie United School Corporation has spent a great deal of time preparing and executing an extensive and purposeful K-12 Career Exploration Plan, and this work culminates with our campaign to encourage and support students as they navigate the college application process,” said Tara White, New Prairie High School’s Director of College & Career Readiness.
“We make sure that when the time arrives, all of our students have as much information and opportunity as they need to make the best decisions about their postsecondary plans,” she said.
