We have such a depth of talent and expertise at the University of Indianapolis. This allows us to connect students with a wide variety of disciplines in hands-on, experiential ways, similar to the approach we use in our DesignSpine program in the R.B. Annis School of Engineering.” — Dr. Chris Plouff, Provost and Executive Vice President
Perry Township’s Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Brian Bulmer, leads the program. As a first-generation college student himself, Bulmer is passionate about supporting and mentoring students as they explore all their options, including college. In a diverse district where more than 80 languages are spoken and many students are the children of small mom- and-pop businesses owners, he often sees himself in their stories. And it’s no small thing that his students will be literally walking onto a college campus every single day. “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it,” said Bulmer. “Entrepreneurship is really a mindset and a skillset that is transferable into a lot of career sectors. This fantastic opportunity will give our students access to things that I would have dreamed about as a high school student.” Work is already underway to connect learning with UIndy’s academic programs to create
institutions can align in ways that could serve as a model not just for Indianapolis but for communities all across the country. “This is an entirely new approach to how education can best serve students and the workforce of tomorrow,” said UIndy President Dr. Tanuja Singh. “Today’s students need more than knowledge—they need experiential opportunities to grow and adapt. This partnership brings those opportunities onto a university campus, where students can engage in a higher education setting supported by faculty and university resources.” The program will begin this fall with about 50 students using leased space inside Martin Hall to take three entrepreneurship classes. Morris hopes it grows to 400 students after the building opens in Fall 2028, with their school day split between the innovation facility and their home high school.
Conceptual illustrations of the future Perry Township innovation building, based on preliminary renderings by Lancer Associates Architecture. Final designs are under development.
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
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