Why Choose Project Excel

Have you ever wished you could try out a real college class before you graduate high school without the huge cost or scary pressure? That’s exactly what Vincennes University’s Project EXCEL is for.

Project EXCEL lets you take college courses right at your high school or career center. You earn real college credit, build confidence, and show yourself what you’re capable of. All this at a cost per credit hour that is one of the lowest costs in the entire state.

And here’s the truth:

You don’t have to be perfect to succeed.

You just have to be willing to try.

Jump Right In!

You’ve got a unique path ahead. Vincennes University has teamed up with your high school or CTE center to build a college-credit program that fits your goals, your pace, and your comfort level.

You Don't Have to Figure Everything Out Alone!

Project EXCEL gives you lots of support. You will have dedicated teachers, advisors, and staff who are there to help you stay on track, answer questions, and cheer you on. You’re never in this alone!

It Saves Money and Time!

College credits earned in Project Excel can save years and thousands of dollars after high school. You’re getting ahead without adding the stress of debt.

Learn Real Skills for Real Life

These classes are designed to help build confidence, problem-solving skills, and independence. You’ll prove to yourself that you CAN do college work and that you can do it well!

“I’m not sure I’m smart enough.”

Yes, you are. Dual Credut is built for high school students from all backgrounds, not just the ones who already think they’re college material. You learn as you go, and we help you every step of the way.

“College sounds confusing.”

That’s why you’re not doing it alone. You get access to dedicated people who walk with you, explain things, and make sure you understand what you’re signing up for.

“College classes sound too hard for me.”

Project EXCEL is designed to help you get comfortable with college-level work step by step. You’ll have your regular teacher and support around you, because you’re not doing this alone!

“I’m afraid of failing.”

Then you might be the first! Dual Credit is the perfect way to start as we believe you belong in college, even if you’re still figuring that out for yourself.

“What if I’m too busy”

Your Dual Credit courses fit inside your school day, just like any other class. No extra travel, no packed evenings, just a traditional high school schedule.

Bottom Line: You CAN Do This

Dual Credit is here for students who want real opportunities, new challenges, and a chance to build a future they’re excited about. Even if college feels far away. Even if you doubt yourself sometimes. Even if life feels complicated right now. Just know you are capable, you belong here, and Dual Credit can help you get where YOU want to go!

Have you ever wished you could try out a real college class before you graduate high school, and without the huge cost or scary pressure? That’s exactly what Vincennes University’s Project EXCEL is for.

Project EXCEL lets you take college courses right at your high school or career center. You earn real college credit, build confidence, and show yourself what you’re capable of. All this at a cost per credit hour that is one of the lowest costs in the entire state.

And here’s the truth:

You don’t have to be perfect to succeed.

You just have to be willing to try.

Jump Right In!

There is a pathway designed by Vincennes University and your students High School or CTE site that is designed for the proper pace and comfort level of students.

Your Student Doesn't Have to Figure Everything Out Alone!

Project EXCEL gives them lots of support. They will have dedicated teachers, advisors, and staff who are there to help them stay on track, answer questions, and cheer them on. They’re never in this alone!

It Saves Money and Time!

College credits earned in Project Excel can save years and thousands of dollars after high school. They’re getting ahead without adding the stress of debt.

Learn Real Skills for Real Life

These classes are designed to help build confidence, problem-solving skills, and independence. They’ll prove to themselves that they CAN do college work and that they can do it well!

Project EXCEL gives your student a chance to take real college courses at their high school or career center to earn college credit at an extremely affordable price.

It’s normal to have concerns: Will my student be ready? Will it be too hard? Will it fit into their life? Here’s why and how Project EXCEL works:

• Courses at Your School: College courses are offered at your student’s high school or career center, integrated into your student’s regular day.
• Guided Support: Students are supported by VU staff, high school counselors, and teachers who help them navigate college-level coursework.
• Flexible Pathways: Pathways are created and agreed upon by Vincennes University and your student’s school or career center ensuring that the load and pace are designed for success.
• College Transcript: All Credits earned go on a Vincennes University transcript, giving your student a head start on college and increasing post-secondary options and employability.
• Affordability: Dual Credit is designed to reduce costs and Vincennes University has several low-cost and even no-cost partnerships with various schools and districts across the state. Families typically save thousands of dollars by enrolling a student in an Dual Credit program. Beyond high school, our dedicated staff from VU and the high school are always ready to help families find scholarships, grants, and other financial solutions. Don’t assume Higher Ed is out of range, let's work together on a plan.

Project EXCEL is Indiana’s first Dual Credit/Concurrent Enrollment program, offered through Vincennes University. It enables eligible high school students to take college-level courses right at their own high school or career center, taught by qualified instructors, and earn college credit at a significantly reduced cost.

• College credit in High School: Students can earn official college credits that appear on a Vincennes University Transcript while still enrolled in high school, helping them jumpstart their postsecondary journey.
• Affordable Access: Tuition is only $25 per credit hour, far below typical college costs. Further reducing barriers, fee waivers are also available for students eligible for the National School Lunch Program or enrolled in select Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses.
• Rigorous, Accredited Courses: Project EXCEL is accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), meaning the program meets national standards for academic quality, faculty credentials, assessment, and student achievement. Courses delivered in high schools follow the same syllabi, assessments, and expectations as on-campus courses.

• Expanded Academic Opportunities: Your students can access college-level coursework that meet high national standards in areas across liberal arts, technical, and career pathways without needing to leave their home campus.
• Strengthened Pathways to Post Secondary Success: Dual credit is shown to increase retention and completion rates once students move on to college and helps them finish degrees faster and with less debt.
• Support for Your Educators: High school instructors delivering dual credit must meet credential standards. Upon being credentialed, instructors receive support from VU faculty. Project EXCEL also provides orientation, ongoing guidance, and professional development to help ensure quality instruction.
• Customer Service Support: Instructors, administrators, students and families have dedicated support from our highly responsive Project EXCEL office located on our main campus. This ensures exceptional service and quick answers when it's needed the most. As a premier partner, we strive to ensure clarity, consistency, and a high-touch experience across multiple stakeholders.
• Alignment with College Standards: All courses adhere to Vincennes University’s Curricular requirements and are monitored for academic integrity and rigor, so credits transfer reliably and reflect true college achievement.

• Student Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (with some opportunities for advanced sophomores) who meet course prerequisites and placement requirements can enroll.
• Instructor Requirements: Teachers must meet specific academic or professional credentials depending on the course type. This can be explained further when we connect to talk more in-depth.
• Course Delivery: Project EXCEL dual credit courses are offered on site at your school or career center during the regular school day.

• Policies and Procedures Opens in a new window
• Orientation Packet for New Instructors Opens in a new window
• Instructor Handbook Opens in a new window

• Increase college access and affordability for your students.
• Boost academic rigor and college readiness within your curriculum.
• Build strong pathways from high school to higher education and careers.
• Support workforce development goals by aligning high school coursework with postsecondary expectations.

The next step is easy! To get additional information and for a personalized Project EXCEL Plan for your institution please contact our Project EXCEL Director D’Lee Thomas at 812-888-4337 or via email DTHOMAS@VINU.EDU