INDIANAPOLIS – Vincennes University is collaborating with Marian University as an educational partner in the Riverside Education Innovation District (REID) initiative in the Near Northwest Area (NNW) of Indianapolis.
As part of a major effort to expand educational access in the area, the initiative will repurpose the historic and former Larue Carter Campus into a hub for learning that supports literacy, early childhood education, and workforce development, according to a press release issued by the university.
VU’s role includes creating a career and technical education (CTE) center for high school students. The center expects to offer more than 10 essential CTE opportunities to enhance educational and economic outcomes in one of the most economically disadvantaged areas of Indianapolis, the release states.
VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said, “Vincennes University is honored to partner with Marian University, local schools, workforce development organizations, and industry leaders to be part of a bold and transformative initiative that will empower students and communities in the Near Northwest Indianapolis area.
“Partnerships such as this are vital for building our state’s bright economic future and creating opportunities for Hoosiers of all generations. With this exciting opportunity, Vincennes University aims to work alongside President Elsener and Marian University to help build an even stronger future for Near Northwest Indianapolis and the entire region.”
Marian University President, Daniel J. Elsener shared, “We are honored to welcome Vincennes University to the Near Northwest Area as a critical part of the Riverside Education Innovation District initiative. When we shared our vision with President Johnson, Vincennes immediately stepped forward to help make it a reality.
“Vincennes’ new career and technical education programs will create opportunity and upward mobility for students and families in the area.”
VU anticipates that high schools in Indianapolis will send hundreds of students to its CTE center, which aligns with new Indiana high school diploma requirements. Students will gain skills needed to be career-ready for today’s job market, with dual credit and training available in fields such as automotive technology and repair, welding, advanced manufacturing, precision machining, cybersecurity, and law enforcement, the release states.
“By focusing on high-demand fields, we are dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to make impactful contributions in their chosen professions,” said VU Associate Provost of K-12 Programs and Partnerships Dr. Lori Pence. “We commit to delivering an innovative blend of comprehensive training, immersive hands-on experiences, and access to cutting-edge industry insights. Our goal is to empower students to excel in their educational and career aspirations and emerge as leaders in their community and region.”
Broadening partnerships with existing educational partners to offer dual credit in carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical is also part of VU’s plans to support the REID initiative’s goals of increasing lifetime educational attainment in the area. In addition, the university envisions using its facilities for adult education programs outside of traditional school hours and for apprenticeship programs with major companies in the Indianapolis area, the release states.
Marian held a construction kick-off event at the former hospital campus in July.
VU will occupy two dedicated buildings on the Cold Spring Road property, marking the university’s first major site near downtown Indianapolis. It aims to begin CTE training and education programming by the fall of 2027.
