Herron-Riverside High School, Vincennes University announce partnership for seven new career and technical education pathways as part of Marian University-led initiative

Herron-Riverside High School, located in the Near Northwest side of Indianapolis, is announcing a major new partnership with Vincennes University to expand access to Career and Technical Education opportunities for Herron-Riverside scholars at The Grove at Cold Spring, part of a Marian University-led initiative to increase lifetime educational attainment.

The Grove is powered by the Marian-led Riverside Education Innovation District initiative, a $137 million investment in the Near Northwest Area of Indianapolis to strengthen literacy and educational attainment through programming and placemaking. Central to this investment is the transformation of this historic site into a community asset that supports lifelong learning.

Beginning this fall, incoming ninth-grade students will have access to seven new pathways from Vincennes University that lead to college credit, industry-recognized credentials, and careers in high-demand fields. Programs will include construction trades, welding, cybersecurity, and pharmacy technician, with additional pathways under development.

“At Herron-Riverside, scholars should not have to choose between college preparation and career preparation,” said Emanuel Harper, Head of School at Herron-Riverside High School. “This partnership allows us to expand what is possible for students in Indianapolis. Scholars can receive a rigorous, college-preparatory education while also gaining access to real-world career pathways that prepare them for college, career, and life.”

Vincennes University President Dr. Chuck Johnson said, "Vincennes University’s collaboration with Herron-Riverside High School and Marian University reflects our unyielding commitment to empowering local youth. Students in the Near Northwest Area should have direct, high-quality access to in-demand workforce credentials, and VU is fully prepared to accelerate their path to professional success."

Daniel J. Elsener, President, Marian University, shared, “Marian is thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside Vincennes University and Indianapolis' leading industry partners to offer exceptional career and technical education at The Grove at Cold Spring for scholars like those at Herron-Riverside High School. The Grove is a strategic and deep commitment of the Marian-led Riverside Education Innovation District to invest in individual opportunity and the vitality of our community.”

For participating Herron-Riverside scholars, career-connected coursework will be built into their school schedule, with transportation provided to The Grove at Cold Spring. A likely scenario would include students spending part of the school day at Vincennes University’s career training facility during their junior and senior years, while continuing the rest of their schedule through Herron-Riverside’s college-preparatory academic program.

“This is about giving scholars the best of both worlds,” Harper said. “Herron-Riverside will continue to provide the strong academic foundation families expect from a college-preparatory school. This partnership adds access to meaningful career pathways that can help scholars enter high-wage fields, earn credentials, and see a clearer connection between high school and their future.”

Herron-Riverside will continue to share updates with families as student scheduling, transportation, pathway details, and implementation plans are finalized. Families interested in learning more about Herron-Riverside High School or enrolling for the upcoming school year may contact Jennene Young, Director of Enrollment, at 317-726-6789.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to educational attainment, workforce development, neighborhood well-being, and quality of life in the Near Northwest Area of Indianapolis. It also strengthens Herron-Riverside’s role in preparing students to be critical thinkers, strong writers, confident speakers, and future leaders in both college and the workforce.

To stay up to date on programming offered at The Grove, sign up at thegroveindy.org/contact.