What is Bulldog Ready?
And why did we develop it?
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s College Readiness Scorecard provided us with crucial insights into our students’ post-secondary success. As we reflected on the data from the end of the 2021 school year, we had several aha moments: ENROLLMENT: 72% of our students enrolled in college. PERSISTENCE: 75% of those students persisted to their second year. COMPLETION RATES: 19% of those enrolled in a two-year program completed on time, while 66% of those in a four-year program completed on time. These statistics prompted us to question whether we were doing everything possible to find the right fit for every graduate. Were we providing enough career-based experiences to better equip our students for life beyond high school? Could we expand our offerings to include more certifications and work-based learning opportunities, making learning more relevant and impactful? Could we help students going to college make certain it was right for them and, if so, be more confident that their selected field of study was a good fit?
The Bulldog Ready initiative is not just a program; it is a comprehensive approach to education that aligns with our community’s values and the aspirations of our students. Through this journey, we aim to create a brighter future for every Batesville graduate, ensuring that they are not only ready for their next steps but also empowered to lead, innovate, and make a difference in the world.
Bulldog Ready gets students excited about learning by connecting them to the real world—right here in our community. The community will help teach students WHAT they need to know and WHY IT MATTERS — through real examples from everyday life. From kindergarten through grade 5, students will participate in career-focused, interactive experiences beyond typical field trips. In middle school, they will learn about and volunteer with local organizations. As they enter high school, they’ll explore different career paths through hands-on projects and learn from community experts. This initiative relies on community support to ensure all students graduate with the skills and experiences needed to be successful adults—to be Bulldog Ready.
Bulldog Ready was created from the input of more than 100 Batesville community members. Learn more.
