Purdue serves LaPorte County as education, economic development partner

By Victor L. Lechtenberg

As Indiana's land-grant university, Purdue is charged with an important mission — to respond to the needs of our state and communities like Michigan City. I had the pleasure of spending a day in LaPorte County recently, and I came away impressed by both the corporate and civic vitality. My goal was to determine how Purdue can help Michigan City and LaPorte County continue to move forward in the areas of education and economic development.

Purdue's Technical Assistance Program is one example of how the university can have a direct economic impact. TAP provides assistance to companies to help them address specific problems, implement state-of-the-art technologies and remain competitive. Last year, the program helped 458 Indiana companies, including scientific video camera manufacturer Dage-MTI Inc. in Michigan City. The result is new and saved jobs along with increased sales.

Purdue North Central also plays an active role throughout LaPorte County as a key partner in education and economic development. One example is its involvement in the LaPorte County Economic Development Partnership. Since 2002, this partnership has assisted in the creation of 254 new jobs and $37 million of investment into the community.

With one of the most beautiful campuses in the Purdue system, Purdue North Central offers 23 degree programs in the fastest growing job markets. While PNC always has attracted a large number of part-time students, nearly 60 percent of students are taking 12 or more credit hours of classes this semester, breaking last year’s record.

With a student-faculty ratio of 18-to-1, Purdue North Central offers personalized attention while students pursue their Purdue diploma. Students also are taking advantage of the new University Park off-campus housing, which became available last fall.

Purdue West Lafayette’s Cooperative Extension Program also has a permanent presence in LaPorte County and serves as both an educational and economic driving force. Whether it's offering advice on solving agricultural problems or providing educational programs for both youth and adults, extension staff make a difference on a daily basis.

For example, Purdue extension staff has trained 179 LaPorte County Master Gardeners, who have worked more than 7,300 hours on educational programs and activities since 1996. Extension staff also is working with the El Puente Community Center to increase the involvement of Hispanic youth in the LaPorte County 4-H program.

Through the extension program, TAP and Purdue North Central, Purdue pledges to continue to use its resources to serve Michigan City and LaPorte County. We look forward to developing even more partnerships to accomplish our mission of educational and economic growth.

Victor L. Lechtenberg, Purdue's vice provost for engagement, visited LaPorte County recently with Purdue President Martin C. Jischke and other university officials. They visit a different community each month to exchange ideas with business and community members.

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