Importance of Education
In Columbus, our highest aim is to link excellence in education with economic opportunity, and to build a true regional educational learning system. Thus, the Community Education Coalition (CEC) was founded as a public private partnership of education, business, and community stake holders to focus on integrating our community learning system, economic development, and quality of life.
CEC Strategic Goals
- Promote a seamless accessible, affordable learning system for students of all ages.
- Advocate excellence in education from Pre-K through grade 16 and beyond.
- Support partners in attracting, developing, and retaining highest quality faculty.
- Establish Columbus as a regional center for higher education and workforce development.
- Foster stronger linkage between economic development and education initiatives.
- Support complementary services and foster efficient, effective use of resources.
- Evaluate, measure, and report educational system progress toward goals.
Investments in the Regional Learning System include:
- $16 million for program improvements
- $25 million for Columbus Learning Center, plus 20-year operating budget
- $2.5 million for workforce development (advanced manufacturing, embedded systems, supervision, and nursing)
- $2 million for Dream It Do It state-wide initiative
- $2 million annually for bachelors and masters degrees programs (MBA and Engineering)
Community Education Stake Holders
Community Education Coalition www.educationcoalition.com/educationcoalition.html
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (K-12) www.bcsc.k12.in.us
Flat Rock - Hawcreek School Corporation (K-12) www.flatrock.k12.in.us
Ivy Tech Community College Columbus www.ivytech.edu/columbus
Indiana University Purdue University Columbus www.iupuc.edu
Purdue University College of Technology Columbus www.tech.purdue.edu/columbus
Indiana Department of Workforce Development www.in.gov/dwd