Indiana Early College Summit 2026: Full Schedule

9:40am EDT

Creating Systems for Success: Navigating Staffing Changes

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT

This session is ideal for school administrators and counselors beginning their Early College journey or those navigating significant staffing changes within an existing program. Three years ago, our school experienced a major administrative turnover and lost program support staff due to budget cuts. These challenges necessitated the creation of new, more efficient systems for recruitment, applications, program entrance, and academic advising. By streamlining student support, learn how our school now utilizes a smaller staff to provide consistent, routine advising throughout the program. During the session, we'll share these refined systems for recruitment, application, and Early College academic advising.

Speakers

Erin Miller

Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, North Lawrence Community Schools

I am the lead of the Early College Program at BNL High School. I am also the Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction and the High Ability Coordinator for the NLCS district. I work closesly with our on-site Vincennes University liaison to recruit, advise, and recognize... Read More →

Matthew Canada

Principal

Principal at Bedford North Lawrence High School, in Bedford IN.

Room Host

Tori White

Coordinator, CELL at University of Indianapolis

Early College Summit 2026.pptx pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT
108

Breakout Session

Core Principle Early College Principles
Audience Administrators, Counselors

9:40am EDT

Small School Approach to College & Career Pathways and Work-Based Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT

111

Feedback Survey

Intentionality is the word the presenters use to describe their approach to providing big-school opportunities within a small rural district. Starting in Grade 6, Madison-Grant Schools begin exposing students to college opportunities, career pathways, and work-based learning. The district focuses everything—from coursework and junior high transitions to field trips, internships, and interventions—with intentional purpose. Participants will learn the Madison-Grant timeline of events designed to set students up for success both during their time in school and beyond graduation.

Speakers

David Retherford

Principal, Madison-Grant Junior/Senior High School

Gwen Hodson

College & Career Specialist

Room Host

Cynthia Roach

Indiana Early College Summit Presentation (3) pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT
111

Breakout Session

Core Principle WBL-Seals, Enrollment
Audience Administrators, Counselors

9:40am EDT

Work-Based Learning: Definition, Types & Strategies

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT

112

Feedback Survey

This session provides guidance on Work-Based Learning as it pertains to the new diploma seals. Topics addressed include the WBL definition, meeting the definition with various WBL experiences, WBL reporting, and WBL resources available from the state to support quality implementation.

Speakers

Sam Rourke

Assistant Commissioner for CTE, Indiana Commission for Higher Education

Linsay Osos

Director for CTE Programming, Indiana Commission for Higher Education

I joined the Career and Technical Education (CTE) team in February 2023 after more than 10 years as a high school social studies teacher. The CTE team transitioned to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) in July 2023 and the move has been a great fit. I am passionate... Read More →

Room Host

Brooke Vollen

Project Coordinator, CELL

CELL Early College WBL 06.03.2026 pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT
112

Breakout Session

Core Principle Higher Ed/CHE/DOE
Audience Administrators, Counselors

9:40am EDT

Unique Student Supports: A Panel Discussion

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT

Choir

Feedback Survey

EC Core Principle #5 includes Supports for Student Success. Join this panel session to hear from three school representatives share some unique approaches to supporting students from writing centers to teambuilding to a small rural school approach to providing strong student support.

Moderators

Janet Boyle

Retired, CELL

Speakers

Allegra Mather

Writing Center Specialist, Indianapolis Public Schools

I am a Writing Specialist for Arsenal Technical High School's Kurt Vonnegut Youth Writing Center, one of the four centers housed in IPS high schools. Our center assists student with creative, academic, and career writing, including college applications, Early College assignments... Read More →

Shea Duke

Principal, Vincennes Community School Corporation

Danielle Black

Early College Academy Leader, Penn-Harris-Madison Sch Corp

I am a fierce believer in the power of education, both in America and around the world. For the past ten years I've helped lead the Early College Academy at Penn High School while also teaching dual credit Speech, English, and Capstone at different times. I also love being an assistant... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT
Choir

Panel

Core Principle Panels
Audience Administrators, Counselors

10:40am EDT

InTERS: A How-to for Small Schools Starting with the Basics

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT

107

Feedback Survey

Adding new tasks to someone's plate can feel daunting. Given that the new Indiana diploma requirements include work-based learning hours documentation, learn how to work smarter, not harder to complete this task in InTERS.

Speakers

Erin Rauscher

Guidance Counselor, Dual Credit Instructor, Southridge High School

Erin Rauscher is a graduate of Southridge High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University. Shortly after graduation, she began her teaching career in Washington, D.C., where she spent 9 years teaching middle school social studies, science, and language arts... Read More →

Room Host

Andrea Fisher

Communications Manager, CELL

Andrea Fisher serves as the communications manager at CELL at the University of Indianapolis.

InTERS How To for Smaller Schools Presentation (1) pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT
107

Breakout Session

Core Principle WBL-Seals, Enrollment
Audience Administrators, Counselors

10:40am EDT

Voices of School Counselors: A Panel Discussion

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT

Choir

Feedback Survey

Many of the new state requirements somehow seem to land on the school counselor’s desk as new schedules, student accommodations, and planning need to be organized. Come learn from a panel of four experienced counselors who will share their experiences and strategies for dealing with the ever-changing responsibilities of the school counselor role.

Moderators

Renee' Cocanower

Senior Coordinator, CELL

Speakers

Caitlin Sauerhage

High School Counselor

Mark Hendrickson

School Counselor, Winchester Community High School

I'm completing year 5 as School Counselor for grades 10-12 at Winchester Community High School, which is a mentor school for RECN. I am a member of the RECN Counselor Action and Renewal Team (CART) and serve on our school's Early College Leadership Team. I was recently elected to... Read More →

Stacey Flamion

Counselor, Southridge High School

I am completing my 18th year as a school counselor in southern Indiana. I have 3 years of experience in a K-12 school and 15 years in mid-size rural public high schools. In my current role at Southridge High School I am an academic counselor and test coordinator. I am on the RECN... Read More →

Whitney Wiencken

School Counselor, Terre Haute North Vigo High School

My name is Whitney Wiencken and I have been a school counselor at Terre Haute North Vigo High School in Terre Haute for ten years. Prior to this, my experience includes being a middle school counselor, as well as teaching 6th grade Literature. I am THN's Early College counselor. We... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT
Choir

Panel

Core Principle Panel
Audience Counselors

10:40am EDT

Work Based Learning - Initiating Partnerships & Expanding Access to Students: A Panel Discussion

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT

111

Feedback Survey

The new Indiana diploma requirements greatly expand the need for work-based learning partners. Learn from three school leaders experienced in establishing relationships and agreements with industry partners in suburban and rural settings.

Moderators

Brooke Vollen

Project Coordinator, CELL

Speakers

Jody French

CTE/Work Based Learning Coordinator, Perry Central Jr-Sr High School

Jody French has been an administrator for over 14 years at Perry Central Jr./Sr. High School and is currently serving as CTE Director for her corporation. Her passion is to find ways to provide students with rigorous, authentic learning opportunities that help lead students to a... Read More →

Matt Maple

Principal

Brandon Eakins

CTE Director, Elkhart Area Career Center

Brandon Eakins is the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the Elkhart Area Career Center (EACC). With a Master's in CTE from Purdue University and another in Special Need Education with a focus on Severe Emotional Disabilities from Indiana University South Bend, Brandon... Read More →

Work Based Learning Initiating Partnerships & Expanding Access to Students A Panel Discussion pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT
111

Panel

Core Principle WBL-Seals, Enrollment
Audience Administrators, Counselors

2:10pm EDT

AI in Action: Supporting Indiana’s New Diploma and Early College Systems

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

Cafeteria

Feedback Survey

The new Indiana diploma brings exciting opportunities but also complex systems to manage. Discover how AI can support Early College leaders by helping design smarter four-year planning tools, streamline program workflows, and simplify pathway advising for students and families. This session will highlight practical examples and emerging strategies that can help schools implement diploma changes with greater efficiency and impact.

Speakers

Jaelyn Winkle

Asst Principal Early College

Hello! My name is Jaelyn Winkle and I am the Assistant Principal for Early College at Winchester Community High School. This is my 12th year in education and my 9th year in this role. As Assistant Principal for Early College, I oversee all things related to dual credit, student academic... Read More →

Room Host

Andrea Fisher

Communications Manager, CELL

Andrea Fisher serves as the communications manager at CELL at the University of Indianapolis.

2026 EC Summit Presentation AI Use to Support New Diplomas and EC Systems (1) pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Cafeteria

Breakout Session

Core Principle Tech Advancements
Audience Adminsitrators, Counselors

2:10pm EDT

ICC Onboarding, Advising, Oh My!

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

Band

Feedback Survey

The Indiana College Core (ICC) is a block of 30 college credit hours that high school students can earn to jumpstart their progress toward a postsecondary degree. The ICC provides rigorous instruction, supports a college-going culture, and strengthens partnerships between secondary and postsecondary institutions. In support of Indiana's "ICC for All" initiative, this session will explore the numerous benefits of the program, as well as potential challenges and strategies for implementing a sustainable "ICC for All" model within secondary education.

Speakers

Dr. Sandra Siddons

Site Director, Vincennes University Early College

With a passion for education, Dr. Siddons has dedicated her entire career to helping students succeed. What began as a job in higher education research and as a professor in Missouri, has now evolved into a career focused on data-driven educational leadership. Today, she serves as... Read More →

Dr. Kevin Mowrer

Assistant Dean, Vincennes University

After spending 20 years as a K-12 building administrator and teacher, I began leading Vincennes University Early Colleges in Indianapolis and have been doing that for the last five years. I also serve as the director of the Summer Xmester/Techmester Programs on VU's Main Campus... Read More →

Room Host

Kyleigh Gerlach

Director of Operations, CELL

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Band

Breakout Session

Core Principle Higher Ed/CHE/DOE
Audience Administrators, Counselors

2:10pm EDT

The Cognitive Lens: Using Text Structure & Connectives to Aid in Content Area Comprehension

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

106

Feedback Survey

How does a student know when to look for a sequence versus a solution? In this session, explore how explicit instruction on text structures, and corresponding connectives can equip students with a mental "blueprint" for comprehending disciplinary content.

Speakers

Jess Daugherty

Literacy Specialist, Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL)

Room Host

Brooke Marsh

Career Readiness Project Coordinator, CELL

Brooke Marsh serves as the Career Readiness Project Coordinator for the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL). At CELL, Brooke supports schools across the continuum of K-12 career readiness, particularly in the areas of work-based learning, school-industry partnerships... Read More →

Early College Summit Daugherty pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
106

Breakout Session

Core Principle CELL Initiatives
Audience Administrators, Counselors

2:10pm EDT

The Indiana Connectedness Project: Building Conditions for Student Success

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

107

Feedback Survey

Discover how Indiana schools are using research-based strategies to strengthen student connectedness and improve key student outcomes. Given the state’s accountability model, creating the conditions that enable students to be more likely to thrive is a critical first step for all schools. This session highlights the Indiana Connectedness Project, a groundbreaking partnership between CELL and the Everyone Graduates Center (EGC) at Johns Hopkins University. Discuss lessons learned from the 2025-26 pilot phase with three Indianapolis Public Schools high schools, preview the upcoming 2026-28 field test involving ten high schools across Indiana, and learn about plans to expand the initiative to fifty middle and high schools statewide for 2028-29. While representatives from schools participating in the pilot and field tests are encouraged to attend, this session will also be valuable for educators interested in gaining a practical understanding of how connectedness can be measured and why it matters. Gather proven strategies to build stronger relationships, increase student engagement, and improve outcomes for all learners.

Speakers

Mike Raters

Special Projects Coordinator, UIndy / CELL

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
107

Breakout Session

Core Principle CELL Initiatives
Audience Administrators, Counselors

2:10pm EDT

The New Indiana Diploma and Course Scheduling Flexibility

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

111

Feedback Survey

This session covers the new Indiana Diploma requirements and addresses common questions about requirements and flexibility in scheduling of courses.

Speakers

Rebekah Frazer

Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Academic

I am a school counseling, education, and mental health professional with over a decade of experience supporting students, families, and educators across K–12 systems. I currently serve as the Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Academic Advising with the Indiana Department... Read More →

Room Host

Jess Daugherty

Literacy Specialist, Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL)

6.1.26 The New Indiana Diploma and Scheduling Flexibility (1) pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
111

Breakout Session

Core Principle WBL-Seals, Enrollment
Audience Administrators, Counselors

3:10pm EDT

How Long? How Do They Count? Why Do They Matter? College Admissions & the Dual Credit Discussion

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

Band

Feedback Survey

This session explores ways to address dual credit with students and families, integrating those conversations into the admissions process and discussions with prospective students. The presenter will share their role as a subject matter expert on dual credit for freshman counselors and provide insights on the transferability of the Indiana College Core (ICC).

Speakers

Ben Houston

Director of Transfer Admissions and Online Enrollment, University of Indianapolis

Room Host

Emily Hoppel

Literacy Training Specialist, CELL

Early College Summit PPT pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
Band

Breakout Session

Core Principle Higher Ed/CHE/DOE
Audience Counselors

3:10pm EDT

P-CAP: Re-engaging Students through Community, Integrated Courses & Work-Based Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

107

Feedback Survey

Designed to transform the college and career pathways of Indiana’s disengaged high school students, the Pathways to Careers and Postsecondary (P-CAP) model delivers a new framework for improving the postsecondary outcomes of students who enter high school as some of the least likely to graduate, yet thrive when engaged in non-traditional learning and pathway experiences. Within the P-CAP strategies, high schools design local P-CAP programs focused on building community, providing hands-on integrated coursework, blending career and postsecondary pathways, and delivering high-quality work-based learning (WBL).

Join this session to learn about the P-CAP model and the work of 15 P-CAP Network partner schools. Presenters will provide an overview of P-CAP strategies, discuss the relationship between P-CAP and Early College programs, and take a deep dive into work-based learning. As a cornerstone of the P-CAP model, work-based learning begins in 9th grade and builds sustained relationships between students and their industry partners.

Speakers

Brooke Marsh

Career Readiness Project Coordinator, CELL

Brooke Vollen

Project Coordinator, CELL

Room Host

Brooke Marsh

Career Readiness Project Coordinator, CELL

PCAP EC Summit Presentation June 3, 2026 (1) pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
107

Breakout Session

Core Principle CELL Initiatives
Audience Administrators, Counselors

3:10pm EDT

Platforms to Manage Work-based Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

111

Feedback Survey

Managing work-based learning (WBL) can be one of the most time-consuming and challenging aspects of student support. Join the Region 8 Education Service Center staff for a comprehensive overview of the "who, what, when, where, and how" of effective WBL management. Presenters will review several free and fee-based platforms, discussing the pros and cons of each to help you determine the best fit for your program.

Speakers