About | Hendricks College Network

We are College Connections Career Connections the "Guidance Office for Grown Ups"

About Us

Hendricks College Network is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization serving as a post secondary education resource for area residents, businesses and community organizations. Our mission is “Connecting the community with opportunities through education and training”. We provide access to and support for post secondary education, business training, and workforce development in Hendricks County and the surrounding region.

These are some of the ways we meet our mission:

Serving as an education resource for area residents, businesses, and community organizations
Facilitating the move of multiple colleges into Hendricks County
Providing accessible training through the years
counseling hundreds of individuals in educational pathways and career options
Providing resources to new businesses to ensure skilled workforce
Advising employers on training options for employees
Hosting College & Career Fairs
Helping students access financial aid
Creating Sector Partnerships to ensure education and training is readily available to meet workforce needs
Developing career pathways allowing our community to explore necessary next steps to meet their goals
Offering oversight to MADE@Plainfield, a unique collaboration of statewide higher-education, workforce development and community organizations, coming together to bring post-secondary education and workforce training options to adults, students and employees of all ages — all in one convenient location

Education provides a practical, positive way for people and organizations to respond to the challenges facing our county, and to improve the quality of life in our communities. Often, however, time, cost, distance, and fear can present obstacles to pursuing a degree or additional training. Hendricks College Network exists to help overcome those obstacles by connecting people and organizations with educational programs, resources, and information. We bring a world of educational opportunities to Hendricks County.

History of HCN

The Hendricks College Network (HCN), formerly the Post-Secondary Education Task Force, was established in 1998 by the Hendricks County Commissioners as part of the development of a comprehensive plan relating to all aspects of the county’s needs. This committee met on a regular basis to assess the post-secondary education needs of Hendricks County residents.

The committee worked in cooperation with the Community Foundation on two grants with the idea of promoting our vision. Though not initially funded, the committee decided to move forward because of the identified educational need in the county. Purdue University offered a two year start-up grant which would pay for half the salary and the benefits for a Learning Center Director.

In September of 2009, HCN partnered with Hendricks County Economic Development partnership in Avon, IN. This allows HCN to be closely connected to the business community, and be a part of new business attraction programs, business retention and expansion activities, and workforce development activities.

As we look toward the future needs of Hendricks County residents and businesses, we plan to further develop our focus on non-traditional students, short-term training, and workforce development.