J Everett Light Career Center (JELCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

An educational institution as unconventional as its name, the J Everett Light Career Center (known to students as “the J”) has been offering classes and vocational training since 1972. Located in Indianapolis, students in high school can take classes for college credit, while technicians can learn a trade and nursing students can begin their careers. Also offered are workshops and continuing education for adults.

J Everett Light himself was a vocational instructor who was once Superintendent of the Washington Township School District. Hoping to establish a school which would prepare students for college as well as the job world right out of high school, he worked for years to formulate plans for submission to the state’s Department of Education. After several attempts were rejected, Light’s final scaled-down version of a school was accepted in 1970. Light passed away before the school was completed but it continues to bear his name.

Information Summary

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Overall Score (about)	Insufficient Data
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$16,300
Admission Success rate	89%
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	N/A
Retention (full-time / part-time)	38% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	40

Academics

Marion, Hamilton and also Boone County are served by the J, which welcomes students from all over the area. Following Light’s vision, the center offers a number of classes to high school students which can double as college credit. As many experts are downplaying the importance of a four-year degree – especially for students interested in technical work – there are a number of courses preparing students for direct entry to the workplace after one or two years of study. Among these offered are Welding, Cosmetology, Computer Repair, Automotive Collision Repair and Web & Software Programming.

Further credit courses include Hospitality Services, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Services, Communications Technology and Public Safety education. Many of these subjects can lead the student down the road to a 4-year baccalaureate degree.

As for the Nursing Program, accreditation is received from the Indiana State Board of Nursing and nearly all of the Center’s graduates end up completing their requirements successfully. Students can become a Licensed Practical Nurse over the course of eighteen months.

Another unique characteristic is the Student Skills Guarantee. Once a certificate is received by a student, the guarantee goes into effect. If a future employer finds that skills are lacking in that person within the following calendar year, the Center will supplement the education required free of charge.

Admissions

For general education and other class work, a one-page application is all that is required. High school students can get to work early on the path which awaits them after the twelfth grade is completed.

The requirements for admission to the Nursing Program are stricter and involve preliminary test results, an interview, a student essay and the transcripts from high school and/or GED and other university studies. Once accepted, students will be required to pass a physical exam and get all of the necessary immunizations. Classes begin in January and August for students hoping to get accepted for certain semesters, though applications are accepted year-round.

Financial Aid

Financial aid applications are accepted for any students applying to the Nursing Program or any other course for college credit. Especially for nursing students, it is important to know whether or not you have been accepted before determining what school will cost. Staff members strongly encourage potential nursing students to attend the information sessions provided by the school.

The process will begin for any student with completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For applicants’ reference, the JEL Center code is 016285. Stafford loans, Pell Grants and other types of aid are available.

Student Financial Aid Details

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Students

Students may encounter high schoolers attending a class in Welding or a single mother beginning training to be a nurse. There is no typical JEL Center student, though dedication and hard work is the one thing teachers expect. At the same time, Adult and Continuing Education classes will bring students into contact with an even more diverse student body.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Local Community

Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and the seat of Marion County. One of the United States’ top 15 cities in terms of population size, Indianapolis offers students the opportunity to supplement their classroom education with an internship or exploration of the arts. In addition, sports fans can take in an Indiana Pacers game in one of the country’s best arenas, Conseco Fieldhouse, or see one of the NFL’s perennial contenders, the Indianapolis Colts.

J Everett Light Career Center