Indiana Tech joins partnership that opens doors to higher ed for FWCS students

October 29, 2025

Fort Wayne Community Schools and seven local colleges and universities announced today the formation of the Higher Education Coalition, a groundbreaking partnership designed to open doors to higher education for FWCS students.

The coalition includes Indiana Tech, Indiana University Fort Wayne, Ivy Tech Community College, Manchester University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Trine University and Vincennes University.

The partnership includes:

• Guaranteed admission: FWCS students with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher will receive direct admission to all seven coalition schools. Students with GPAs between 2.0 and 2.5 will be reviewed considering factors, such as academic improvement, leadership activities and personal circumstances.
• Free dual credit courses: All coalition institutions are waiving tuition for FWCS students taking identified dual credit courses through FWCS. Students can earn college credits while still in high school at no cost to families, giving them a head start on their college degree and potentially saving thousands of dollars.
• Early college experience: Dual credit students will receive student ID cards, access to college libraries and tutoring services, campus visits and exposure to college life through summer programs and guest speakers. Teachers will receive professional development from university faculty to ensure students get a true college-level experience.

“Fort Wayne Community Schools has long partnered with local colleges and universities to provide college credit to our students, but this agreement takes these partnerships to a new level, ensuring all students have access to college courses before graduating from high school,” FWCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel said.

Indiana Tech Senior Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management Dr. Steve Herendeen (pictured far right) applauded the vision to bring this coalition together.

“Indiana Tech is grateful for the opportunity to work with Fort Wayne Community Schools and our higher education colleagues on this exciting initiative,” Herendeen said. “Indiana Tech is committed to increasing affordability and access for students and help improve the college-going rate in our city and state.”

He added, “Indiana Tech has witnessed the positive impact on college enrollments when students have early access to college courses and when barriers such as cost are reduced, we also know that when students gain a head start on college, their confidence levels grow and attending college becomes real.”

The partnership focuses on helping students feel connected to college before they graduate. Coalition schools will work directly with FWCS counselors to guide students and families through the college application process, financial aid opportunities and scholarship options. The three-year agreement represents a shared commitment among Fort Wayne’s educational institutions to invest in the community’s future by ensuring local students have clear, affordable pathways to college degrees and career success.

Students and families interested in learning more about the opportunities available should contact their school counselor.