Each year, the University of Indianapolis partners with College Summit through the Lugar Center for Tomorrow's Leaders. College Summit is a program that builds the capacity of schools to dramatically increase college attendance both school and district wide. Trained student influencers build college-going culture, while teachers and counselors use managed curriculum and technology tools to help all students create postsecondary plans and apply to college.

The Lugar Center views the training of influential student leaders as central to developing tomorrow's leaders. College Summit trains student leaders to help build a college-going culture in their high schools. Twenty percent of the rising senior class of participant high schools attends a four-day summer workshop at the University of Indianapolis where they get a head start on college applications by learning how to effectively write a personal statement, meet one-on-one with an admission counselor, learn the basics of financial aid and gain concrete skills in self-advocacy. Armed with real experience, these students then return to their schools and spread their enthusiasm to their peers. The trained students serve as mentors to fellow seniors and encourage them to apply to college.

In 2008, students who attended the College Summit workshop at the University of Indianapolis were from Manual, Howe, and Decatur Central high schools.

In 2008, the College Summit peer leaders in Indiana were invited to attend the 2008 Lugar Symposium for Tomorrow's Leaders, which is hosted by the University of Indianapolis.  The Symposium provided these future leaders of Indiana with an opportunity to learn more about current national and international issues.

The 2009 College Summit Workshops hosted by the University of Indianapolis will be held on July 16-19 and July 23-26.

Learn more about the 2008 College Summit Workshop at the University of Indianapolis by visiting: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807140359