PERRY TOWNSHIP, Ind. — On Thursday, Aug. 27, Perry Township Schools and the University of Indianapolis (UIndy) marked a historic milestone for Indiana education. A groundbreaking ceremony launched a $30 million Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center that will sit directly on the UIndy campus, creating the state’s first career‑connected high school program physically integrated with a university.
The 52,000‑square‑foot facility is being built to serve high‑school students from Southport and Perry Meridian High Schools. It will function as a high‑tech incubator where teens can work on real‑world business projects, earn early college credit, and develop the skills needed for today’s economy.
Funding and Vision
The project is made possible by a major grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., which praised the initiative’s potential to reshape career pathways and act as an economic catalyst for central Indiana. University of Indianapolis Board Chair Deborah Daniels highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, noting that it deepens the university’s ties to local families and supports economic vitality on Indianapolis’ south side.
“You can see and feel the tangible energy across campus as construction begins on Indiana’s first career‑connected high school program housed directly on a university campus,” Daniels said at the ceremony. “We’re extremely grateful to the leadership and the school board of Perry Township Schools, including Superintendent Dr. Patrick Spray, whose initiative and creativity have been instrumental in making this collaboration possible.”
What the Center Will Offer
When completed, the center will feature four specialized studios for design, prototyping, and business development, along with makerspaces, co‑working areas, instructional classrooms, and professional pitch rooms. These resources are intended to give students hands‑on experience with entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation—skills that align with both local industry needs and the university’s mission to be a vital institutional anchor.
Board Chair Daniels added, “Transformational initiatives require bold leadership, vision, and drive… Our board of trustees views this partnership as a foundational element of UIndy’s strategic vision.”
Community Impact
Local leaders see the center as a bridge between K‑12 education and higher education, offering a pathway for students to transition smoothly into college‑level work and future careers. By situating the program on a university campus, students gain exposure to college resources, faculty mentorship, and networking opportunities that were previously unavailable in a traditional high‑school setting.
The initiative also promises to attract businesses and investors to the region, creating jobs and fostering an environment where young entrepreneurs can launch startups that contribute to Indiana’s economic growth.
Looking Ahead
Construction is slated to begin this fall, with the center expected to open its doors to students in the 2028‑2029 school year. Perry Township Schools and UIndy plan to monitor the program’s outcomes closely, hoping to replicate the model in other Indiana districts if it proves successful.
For families and community members interested in learning more or getting involved, information sessions will be scheduled later this year. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of innovators while strengthening the economic fabric of Indianapolis and the broader state.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
