ELKHART — Leaders of the Horizon Project announced Monday goals to transform Elkhart County through educational initiatives through collaboration with the current educational systems, local business leaders and mentors for young people.
The Horizon initiative outlines a course of action that makes possible the ability for students to graduate from high school on a pathway to careers in a highly-skilled 21st century workforce.
The plan would “build a career and college culture” that prepares high school students to continue on to college and career certifications by planning their futures before they are juniors in high school, said Dan Boecher, chairman of the Horizon 2.0 Committee.
The committee has been meeting and working on plans for the educational initiatives for more than two years, he said. The announcements and passing of leadership took place in Elkhart’s Lerner Theatre auditorium Monday night with more than 100 educators and community leaders present.
“It is not choosing a career at age 10, but having conversations about possible careers early,” Boecher said.
But there is now way the community can expect local schools to do all the work. Instead, Horizon’s plan is to develop collaborations with the local school systems, place “career coaches” in every high school and develop a network of mentors with professional experience, he explained. Boecher introduced Brian Smith, incoming chair of the Horizon Education Initiative, who continued to discuss details of the plans. He said now is the time to implement the plans.
“We will not change how we deliver education, but will enhance it,” Smith said. The improvements and further education of young people can change the landscape of Elkhart County and improve quality of life, he said.
“It is a true game-changer in Elkhart County,” Smith said. He explained that the Horizon committee want to form a board that includes educators and business leaders to start strategic planning. He said an executive director may be hired by this summer and funds will be raised to help the implement programs.
“It is time to get to work,” smith said, “and stay tuned.”
The plan also outlines a platform for expanding access to quality early childhood education to ensure children are prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
“In 10 years from now, we will look back and say that this initiative has dramatically changed Elkhart County education, economics and culture and will be a model for which other communities in the U.S. can follow,” Smith said.
Information is available at www.ec-horizonproject.com.
Local News
Related Photos
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Dan Boecher, chairman of the Horizon Project, explains how the planning group is hoping to improve Elkhart County's economy through education initiatives in this file photo from 2010. Roger Schneider | The Goshen News
Horizon Project educational initiative
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