A record-setting P-12 Education Summit

On September 17, the 3rd annual IU P-12 Education Summit brought a record 315 educators, policymakers, and community leaders together in Carmel, Indiana— an 85% increase since the first event, underscoring the urgency and opportunity for collaboration as Indiana’s education system evolves.

With the theme “Partnering to Strengthen Opportunities for Hoosier Youth,” the Summit showcased how Indiana University and P-12 schools are blurring the lines between high school, higher education, and career development. Attendees examined the implications of new state education bills, explored Indiana’s redesigned high school diploma and readiness seals, and engaged with emerging apprenticeship pathways that prepare students—and future teachers—for success.

IU President Pam Whitten: “Indiana University is proud to stand with educators and communities across the state to strengthen our P-12 system, which is the foundation of Indiana's future. With more than 1,100 school partnerships last year alone, IU continues to serve Indiana by working alongside schools to bridge P-12, higher education, and career pathways. We are committed to ensuring that every Hoosier student is prepared for success in college, work, and life.”

Hosted by IU’s Office of School Partnerships, the Summit balanced policy direction, practical strategies, and educator voices. Participants learned about state initiatives, explored applied solutions in breakout sessions, and heard education leaders discuss the realities of adapting during these times.

Together, these conversations reinforced IU’s role as a statewide partner in building pathways that help high school graduates prepare for college, careers, and life.

Policy: Pointing the Way

The morning opened with a deep dive into policy changes shaping Indiana’s education system.

In the Legislative Updates session, Zach Smith Howard and Terry E. Spradlin explained the impact of 43 new education laws, showing how IU is adapting and how districts feel the changes in daily practice.

The conversation then shifted to Indiana’s redesigned high school diploma and readiness seals. David Buyze, Ron Sandlin, and George Philhower described how the new framework adds flexibility and career-connected options while preserving academic rigor. Both stressed the need for collaboration across P-16 education to make it work.

Vice President for Regional Campuses and Online Education Ken Iwama: “This year’s Summit underscored the power of Indiana University’s regional campuses to meet the unique needs of communities across our state. By bringing together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, we demonstrated how IU’s local partnerships translate policy into practice and open new pathways for students. The record growth in participation reflects both the urgency and the promise of working as one university, rooted in many regions, to strengthen opportunities for every Hoosier youth.”

Practice: Implementing Solutions

After the policy discussions, the Summit turned to applied strategies and innovations

Kami Nielsen and Chris Fisher highlighted the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP), the state’s forward-looking plan to launch apprenticeship programs. Modeled after Switzerland’s vocational system, INCAP will offer hands-on learning aligned with industry needs while opening new routes to education and careers.

Afternoon breakout sessions pushed deeper into practical applications:

These sessions showed how partnerships turn policy into practice for Indiana’s schools and universities, while aligning with the state’s workforce needs.

Assistant Vice President for School Partnerships Leah Nellis: “This year’s Summit made clear how powerful it is when IU and our P-12 colleagues come together to tackle challenges and share solutions. From pressing issues like attendance and dual credit to innovative teacher pipelines and career pathways, the conversations sparked here are already shaping the programs and collaborations that will equip Indiana’s youth for success beyond high school.”

People: Lived Experiences in Action

The Summit closed with a reminder that policy and practice come to life in schools and communities.

Moderated by Lezlie Winter, the School Leaders panel featured Markay Winston, Keith Burke, Brent Comer, and Jennifer Luce. Panelists spoke candidly about the opportunities and challenges of putting new policies into practice. They stressed the importance of meeting urgent student needs and highlighted how university partnerships equip local schools to respond to evolving demands in P-16 education.

Their reflections added levity and grounded the Summit’s themes in lived reality. Each emphasized that collaboration between K-12 and higher education is essential—not optional.

The Road Ahead

The P-12 Education Summit affirmed IU’s role in serving the state by working alongside P-12 partners to provide both clarity on policy and practical pathways for students and educators.

Office of School Partnerships Associate Director Kristin Norris: “The Summit reminded us that real change happens when we carry these conversations back to our schools, campuses, and communities. Our charge now is to turn insight into action—expanding partnerships, testing new ideas, and ensuring that every Hoosier student benefits from the energy and commitment we witnessed here today.”

With more participants, new partnerships, and a shared focus on readiness, the Summit advanced a statewide movement to ensure every Hoosier student graduates prepared for college, career, and life. Indiana University stands ready to help students, communities, and P-16 education leaders make the most of every opportunity.

For session details, presenter information, and follow-up materials, visit the IU P-12 Education Summit webpage.