On February 26, the Mental Health Counseling (MHC) program at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) will host approximately 70 high school students. Students are part of the iGrad program at Columbus North, Columbus East, and the Columbus Signature Academy. Academically, the event is part of the MHC graduate coursework at IUPUC.

“We know that having a clear picture of one’s professional future can contribute to student retention and success in both high school and college,” said Darrin Carr, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology at IUPUC. “This effort is a “win-win” as it provides a great experience for both iGrad students and our graduate students.”

Sponsored by Cummins Inc., the iGrad program has an objective to increase the high school graduation rates in Bartholomew County. Graduation coaches, volunteer mentors, and tutors, of the program, work with iGrad students to ensure they remain on track for graduation. The iGrad program has an established goal of a 100 percent high school graduation rate by the year 2017.

In 2015, iGrad students completed various career assessments at IUPUC and learned how their interests translated into career and post-high school education options. Participants also heard from college students who overcame life obstacles to complete high school and attend college. Following last year’s event, participating IUPUC graduate students, with an iGrad coach, met individually with students to review their assessment data and create an individual career plan. The intended purpose of the meeting is to facilitate the student's progress towards achieving their personal life goals.

This scheduled event is Friday, Feb. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; a weather backup plan is April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

To learn more about the iGrad program, visit www.igradcolumbus.com/contact/.  For information about the IUPUC Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program contact Kevin McCracken at (812) 348-7302 or visit www.iupuc.edu/academics/divisions-programs/mental-health-counseling.