Models of Community-Based Learning Centers
Learning Centers
General Information
- Introduction
- What is a Learning Center?
- Growing a Learning Center
- Models of Learning Centers
- Building an Advisory Board
- Other Resources
Learning Center Operation
Learning Centers Outside Indiana
Name of Center
Crossroads Academy (Marshall County)
A short history of development
Crossroads Technology Group (a group of approximately 25 citizens from the county) began meeting in 1999 to lay out the vision for what was to become Crossroads Academy. The culmination of that effort occurred when Crossroads Academy opened in July 2001. Classes at Crossroads began in late August 2001. The learning center currently hosts one high school class and two college classes for the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) designation. In addition, there are a number of adult education classes for various computer applications including Windows XP, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access to name a few. The center also holds classes in the areas of basic Internet and digital cameras and scanning. Crossroads has also taken their laptops on the road and held classes on site at area businesses. The intent of the center is to serve the residents of Marshall County.
Date of opening/formation
July 2001
Mission
By providing a flexible training environment, Crossroads Academy will deliver technology-based training to a broad client base: high school students developing job skills, displaced workers re-training for new positions in the workplace, adults wishing to broaden their knowledge through continuing education, and businesses wishing to offer specific training for their existing staff.
Planning partners include
The center has been funded by a variety of organizations, including Build Indiana, Purdue University, Plymouth Industrial Development Corporation (PIDCO), Northern Indiana Workforce Investment Board, North Central Area Vocational Cooperative and Plymouth Community Schools.
Program partners
Crossroads will be developing programming with all the county high schools as well as Ancilla College and other higher education institutions.
The future
Crossroads will be developing some vocational training for the local industry. We are currently working with several organizations to be able to offer this programming in the near future. In addition, we will attempt to become a Certified Testing Center and hope to be able to offer classes that qualify professionals for continuing education credits in the professional field.
In December, Crossroads was fortunate enough to be chosen for funding by a CAPE Grant from Lilly Endowment. The largest piece of the money received will be used to set up a distance-learning network in Marshall County that will include all seven school corporations, Crossroads and Ancilla College. We are very excited about what this project will bring to Marshall County and its residents.
Contact person for more information
Gregory A. Renz, Executive Director
Crossroads Academy
1800 Jim Neu Drive
Plymouth, IN 46563
Phone: 574.936.8834