Seamless by Design: How Indiana Is Simplifying the Journey from High School to College

In December 2024, the Indiana State Board of Education approved transformative changes to the high school curriculum in Indiana. These changes allow students to tailor their coursework around one of three focused pathways, or “Honors Seals,” each aligned with a student’s post-graduation goals.

The Enrollment Seal prepares students for college; the Employment Seal guides those ready to enter the workforce; and the Enlistment Seal supports students pursuing military service. Each pathway maintains academic rigor while ensuring students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for their next step. Students may also earn a “Plus” designation within each pathway by completing additional coursework or learning experiences.

While the seals provide a clear structure, the curriculum also allows for permeability—ensuring that students are not locked into one path and can pivot as their goals evolve. This thoughtful redesign encourages early, intentional planning, helping students navigate life after high school with confidence.

The Indiana State Board of Education deserves recognition not only for this forward-thinking approach but also for the inclusive and collaborative process that brought it to life. By seeking input from educators, institutions, and community stakeholders, the final product reflects both vision and practicality.

On April 1, 2025, Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner announced new statewide partnerships that build on this foundation—creating seamless transitions for students earning the Honors Plus Seals. Notably, all public colleges and universities in Indiana will now offer automatic admission to students who complete the Enrollment Honors Plus Seal. This simplifies the admissions process and empowers students and families to plan earlier and with more certainty.

At IU Indianapolis, this principle is already guiding our efforts. Our seamless admissions initiative, which began with four partner high schools and has grown to more than 26, has helped strengthen relationships with schools across the region and contributed to significant growth in our freshman class.

I am grateful to our IU Indy faculty for embracing this moment and exploring ways to integrate the Indiana College Core—30 college credits in general education available to high school students—into our curriculum. Our goal is to ensure that any student from any of Indiana’s 92 counties who completes the Enrollment Honors Plus Seal receives automatic admission to IU Indianapolis and earns a waiver for general education requirements through completion of the ICC.

Working together, we can make Indiana a national leader in admissions innovation, curriculum design, and workforce development. These efforts will not only expand opportunity for our students—they will attract new employers and drive inclusive economic growth across our state.

Go Jags!

Latha Ramchand
Chancellor