Our goal

In 2007, IU Indianapolis (known as IUPUI at the time) entered into a partnership with the IPS Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School (CAMMHS) to create clear pathways of transition between the two institutions.

The goal of this collaboration is to:

  • Provide early enrollment opportunities for academically qualified CAMMHS students in approved courses
  • Increase the number of underrepresented students who enter, remain, and successfully complete a postsecondary education
  • Create a pathway for the students to matriculate to IU Indianapolis

The IU Indianapolis University College Special Programs for Academic Nurturing (SPAN) Division facilitates this collaborative initiative between the campus and the IPS district. SPAN provides administrative scholarship oversight and policy development, as well as academic and logistical support. 

This experience has been a great stepping stone between high school and college, and I am more than appreciative for it.

Megan

$5,00018 credit hours tuition-free represents a scholarship of approximately $5,000 per student at current IU Indianapolis tuition rates. 

188As of fall 2014, IUPUI had awarded 188 CAMMHS SPAN scholarships.

2,141Students have successfully completed 2,141 credit hours with a cumulative grade average of B.

$250,000The IU Indianapolis campus has committed up to $250,000 per academic year to cover the cost of tuition for eligible CAMMHS juniors and seniors. 

18Each scholarship recipient may enroll in up to 18 credit hours tuition-free at IU Indianapolis through the SPAN Division. 

6Thoughtful and careful collaboration has produced six components that help ensure student success within the IU Indianapolis CAMMHS SPAN scholarship program.

Components of success

Administration and teaching faculties at IU Indianapolis and CAMMHS work closely to ensure curricular alignment. Thoughtful and careful collaboration has produced six components that help ensure student success within the IU Indianapolis CAMMHS SPAN scholarship program. All components share core principles that focus on student access, student success, and student completion.

The Summer Learning Seminar is designed to aid in student transition from high school to the university by providing IU Indianapolis educational experiences to familiarize students with university facilities and culture. The course is taught on the IU Indianapolis campus by an IU Indianapolis instructional team comprised of a faculty member, an academic advisor, and a university student peer mentor.

CAMMHS students learn how to successfully manage university-level expectations that lead to high levels of collegiate academic accomplishment and completion. Students learn study skills, note taking, critical thinking, and time management. Furthermore, the course helps students to establish networks for success with faculty, staff, and advisors, as well as regular IU Indianapolis students.

For many years, new scholars have been provided with an array of academic and social support programming during their first semester of enrollment at IU Indianapolis. Before IUPUI became IU Indianapolis, students participated in a fall seminar that was led by an administrator from an IUPUI medical professional school, an IUPUI academic advisor, an IUPUI student mentor, and a CAMMHS high school teacher. While providing weekly encouragement and support, the seminar covered topics ranging from time management to success strategies for college English classes.

Currently, new scholars participate in the Tigers to Jags Professional Development Workshop that was named by a CAMMHS student to illustrate the bridge between CAMMHS (Crispus Attucks Tigers) and IU Indianapolis (Jaguars). The instructional team is comprised of an instructor and student mentor. The workshop provides students with a safe space to discuss concerns about their college experience and guides them in developing strategies to overcome academic challenges. Students also learn about the importance of professional conduct on and off campus.

A positive role model is a powerful tool in strengthening the IU Indianapolis CAMMHS SPAN scholars’ academic commitment and success. Former IU Indianapolis CAMMHS SPAN scholars who successfully completed the program and who are currently enrolled as full-time degree-seeking IU Indianapolis students serve in this capacity. The student peer mentor meets weekly with CAMMHS scholars at the high school and at IU Indianapolis.

One of the most important elements of IU Indianapolis CAMMHS SPAN scholars’ success hinges on academic support provided by an IU Indianapolis academic advisor who specializes in health and life sciences. The advisor not only provides course recommendations but also helps students navigate the complex paths leading to a career as a health and life science professional.

This component provides professional development and an open exchange of information and ideas to further curricular alignment. Strong collaboration between the IU Indianapolis faculty and CAMMHS teaching staff ensures not only curricular alignment but also appropriate student academic preparedness.

University faculty share their expertise in their specific field of study and engage CAMMHS high school students and teaching staff. The IU Indianapolis Faculty Lecture Series at CAMMHS features faculty from the following IU Indianapolis departments: biology, chemistry, communications, education, engineering, English, history, informatics, mathematics, physics, and psychology.

CAMMHS students increase their readiness and preparedness for university coursework success while developing a college-bound culture at Crispus Attucks.

The Transitions to College (TC) Series informs students on the educational opportunities available at IU Indianapolis while providing assistance in helping students define academic goals and plan appropriate strategies. Students meet with IU Indianapolis staff at both the high school and university campuses.

The TC Series features IU Indianapolis representatives from: 

  • Academic advising
  • Admissions
  • Career counseling
  • Technology support
  • Bepko Learning Center
  • Center for Service and Learning
  • Division of Student Life
  • Mathematics Assistance Center
  • Multicultural Center
  • Office of Student Financial Services
  • Office of Student Scholarships
  • Speaker’s Lab
  • Student Resource Center
  • University Writing Center

Benefits of participating

  • Transition from high school to the university
  • Head start on academic and professional careers
  • Meaningful and challenging academic experiences for qualified students who otherwise may not have access to a university 
  • Immersion in an authentic on-campus experience
  • Connections with university faculty, staff, and students
Students heading into the tunnel on the second floor of the campus center.

My ability to succeed in these college classes as a high school student has helped ensure my readiness for college next year.

Anisah

Contact us

(317) 274-0382
ucspan@iupui.edu