Why employers, educators and community organizations must engage now.

We are nearly two months into the 2025–2026 school year, with between 70,000 to 80,000 high school seniors tracking toward graduation. With roughly eight months left in the K-12 journey, many are still uncertain about their path after high school. Yet the data tell a consistent story: Employers, educators and community organizations play a critical role in helping students find their path post-high school.

What the Data Shows

Looking at historical trends provides a glimpse of what may lie ahead for the Class of 2026:

• High school graduation: Indiana’s 2024 public school graduation rate was 90.11% – about 9 of every 10 seniors from public or non-public schools, according to the Indiana Department of Education.
• College enrollment in 2022: Only 51.7% of those graduates enrolled in college.
• College persistence: Among those who enrolled, 77.5% – roughly 3 in 4 students – continued into their second year.

If these patterns hold, out of today’s roughly 80,000 seniors we could expect:

• ~72,088 to earn a diploma
• ~37,000 to begin college
• ~28,900 — or about 36% of the original senior class — to return for a second year of college.

These numbers underscore a pressing reality: More than six in ten Indiana seniors may not be on a sustained college path without additional guidance and support.

Why Early Engagement Matters

For those of us working in talent and education every day, these figures aren’t surprising—but they are a constant call to action. Employers, educators, and intermediaries must start earlier in students’ educational journeys to illuminate career opportunities and help young people see viable, rewarding futures right here in Indiana.

Work-Based Learning Momentum

One promising way forward is Work-Based Learning (WBL). Across the state, educators are integrating WBL into classrooms and communities, giving students firsthand experience with Indiana employers. Students are responding enthusiastically, eager to explore career possibilities before they graduate. In this month’s newsletter, we share more details about the momentum Ascend is tracking for Work-based Learning (WBL).

The success of WBL depends on strong partnerships:

• Employers can co-create talent pipelines by engaging with local schools.
• Educators can gain real-time insights on the skills students need for future success.
• Community-based organizations can convene all stakeholders to design meaningful, coordinated student and employer experiences.

What’s Next from Ascend

In the months ahead, Ascend will showcase innovative WBL models and share new data sets that drive workforce solutions. Together, we can help every student in the Class of 2026—and beyond—discover a path to lasting economic mobility.