State and local officials joined school, business and community leaders in celebrating the opening of the Greater Lafayette Career Academy. The Academy is a collaborative effort through the Lafayette School Corporation, West Lafayette School Corporation and Tippecanoe School Corporation. The facility, located at 2201 S. 18th Street, Lafayette, offers a variety of courses to prepare students for college, a career and the workforce.

A crowd gathered outside the entrance to cut a ribbon to mark the milestone. State Senator Ron Alting, State Representatives Sheila Klinker and Chris Campbell spoke at the ceremony, along with Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski. They congratulated the three school districts for working together so that students have expanded and unique educational opportunities.

Programs of study include: Advanced Manufacturing, Auto Service Technology, Computer Science, Construction and Architecture, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Education, Engineering, Health Science, Fire and Rescue, Networking and Welding. Most courses also offer dual college credit opportunities through Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University.

While celebrating the completion of phase I, plans are underway for phase II. "This second phase will likely include renovating more space and to add square footage to the Teal Road side," says TSC Superintendent Scott Hanback. "We hope to add classes in Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Automation and Robotics, Welding and more. We will work to open the second phase for students by August 2021 with the same energy and passion required to complete this first phase."

For more information on the Greater Lafayette Career Academy visit glcareeracademy.com.