Bridging the Gap: The Mitch Daniels Leadership Fellowship Case Study at PPHS

Keeanna Warren, Ph.D., is the CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High Schools. This innovative and student-centered school system combines STEM-focused education with real-world experiences to empower students for future success.

In education, there's a special kind of honor in being entrusted with leading a school system. It's a responsibility that comes with the opportunity to shape young minds, foster a sense of belonging, and drive innovation in pursuing excellence.  As a current fellow of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Fellowship (MDLF) and the leader at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS), I recently had the unique privilege to both participate in and host the educational case study at our school located in the Englewood neighborhood of Indianapolis, IN. 

The day kicked off with a profound message from our namesake, Mitch Daniels, highlighting the importance of creating pathways to higher education and skills-based careers for our students. During a panel discussion, a few of our PPHS leaders, including board chair Jamal Smith, shared insights into our schools. Jamal's words resonated deeply, underscoring our focus on academic excellence, community-building, and inclusivity for all students. Education, he reminded us, transcends mere test scores; it's about nurturing young hearts and minds. He also challenged us to be advocates for positive change in education. Following the panel, we embarked on illuminating, student-led tours, and the day culminated in a spirited competition where fellows teamed up with PPHS students to tackle pressing issues in education through a captivating case study challenge. One key takeaway from the day is that the PPHS students are the real stars of our schools, and I couldn’t be prouder of how each of them showed up authentically as the wonderful individuals they are.

The MDLF aims to create a statewide network of change agents and aligns perfectly with PPHS's mission to empower students through STEM-focused experiences and real-world learning opportunities. At PPHS, we highly regard the principle of personal responsibility. From day one, we place students at the center of decision-making. Rather than telling students what to think, we aim to foster their development as critical thinkers who can provide evidence for their beliefs and understand that their decisions carry consequences.

The bravery of PPHS founders Dr. Gary Bertoline and Mitch Daniels struck me most during the case study. Their vision and dedication to creating a new model of education, one that doesn't wait for change but actively pursues it, are truly remarkable. Their values align with those of PPHS: communication, collaboration, and innovation. The day ended as it began, with a powerful message from Mitch Daniels, which reminded us of the importance of creating students with pathways to secondary education and skills-based jobs. At PPHS, our primary objective is to increase the number of college-bound students, especially those from underrepresented racial groups. This mission resonates with MDLF's commitment to developing leaders who can contribute meaningfully to Indiana's progress. Strong communities can only progress when they can access great educational options that empower individuals to reach their full potential.

One particularly touching moment came when one of the MDLF fellows shared an inspiring example of why our school model works. Her sister had struggled in a township school in Indianapolis but succeeded at PPHS. Now, she's a sophomore thriving at Purdue University. It was an unexpected and heartwarming testament to our schools' impact and the importance of our mission.

As a leader of our network of schools and an MDLF fellow, I couldn't help but feel immense pride during our case study class day. There's a unique kind of work-life balance that occurs when your job and your passion collide. I'm fortunate to have the best job in the world, one that allows me to make a difference in the lives of young people every day. We are on a journey to empower students, bridge gaps, and create a better future for our community and the state of Indiana. With the shared values and missions of MDLF and PPHS, the sky is the limit for what we can achieve together.

Class VI Education Case Study at Purdue Polytechnic High School Schweitzer Center at Englewood in Indianapolis, IN.

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