Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) and seven regional colleges and universities have launched a landmark partnership designed to make higher education more accessible, affordable, and achievable for local students. The Higher Education Coalition creates guaranteed admission, free dual credit opportunities, and early college experiencesโconnecting students to college long before graduation day.
What Is the Higher Education Coalition?
The Higher Education Coalition is a three-year partnership between FWCS and seven higher education institutions:
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Indiana Tech
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Indiana University Fort Wayne
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Ivy Tech Community College
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Manchester University
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Purdue University Fort Wayne
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Trine University
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Vincennes University
Together, these institutions are opening doors for thousands of Fort Wayne students through streamlined admission, cost-saving dual credit options, and hands-on college experiences.
Key Benefits for FWCS Students and Families
Guaranteed Admission to Manchester
FWCS students with a 2.5 GPA or higher receive direct admission MU. Students with GPAs between 2.0 and 2.5 can still gain admission through a holistic review that considers:
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Academic improvement
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Leadership activities
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Personal circumstances
This agreement dramatically reduces uncertainty and gives students clear pathways to their next step.
Free Dual Credit Courses
Coalition institutions are waiving tuition for identified dual credit courses offered through FWCS.
Students can:
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Earn transferable college credits
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Reduce future tuition costs
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Start building an academic transcript before graduating high school
This can save families thousands of dollars.
Early College Experience
FWCS dual credit students will enjoy access to real college resources:
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University student ID cards
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Library access
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Tutoring services
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Workshops and summer programs
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Guest speakers
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Guided campus visits
Teachers will also receive professional development from faculty at coalition institutions to ensure dual credit coursework mirrors true college-level expectations.
Why This Partnership Matters for Fort Wayne
A New Level of Collaboration
โThis agreement takes these partnerships to a new level,โ said Dr. Mark Daniel, FWCS Superintendent, noting that the initiative enhances the FWCS Schools of Success model.
Manchester Universityโs Role in the Coalition
โTypically, those of us in higher education are competitors,โ said Dr. Stacy Young, President of Manchester University. โThatโs what makes this partnership so meaningful. Weโre all working together to support FWCS students and ensure they have opportunities beyond high school.โ
As part of this coalition, Manchester University offers FWCS students:
Seamless Pathways to High-Demand Programs
Students can continue dual credit momentum into more than 70+ MU programs, including:
Fort Wayne Health Sciences Opportunities
For students interested in healthcare careers, Manchesterโs Fort Wayne campus is home to:
- Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacy)
- MS in Pharmacogenomics
- Accelerated Nursing (ABSN)
- Nutrition & Nutrigenomics
- Athletic Training
These programs offer students in Fort Wayne a direct route into rapidly growing professions.
Whatโs Next for Students and Families?
Students interested in taking advantage of these opportunities should contact their FWCS school counselor, who will help them:
- Understand dual credit options
- Explore admission pathways
- Connect with the right partner institution
- Learn about financial aid and scholarships
