LaPorte County staff, students, and community members recently gathered to celebrate the opening of the LaPorte County Career and Technical Education (CTE) program’s brand-new South Campus building, located at 1001 US Hwy 20.

The $13.5 million LPCCTE South Campus is now home to a wide array of essential career-focused programs, including Automotive, Construction, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood, Health Careers, Precision Machining, Smart Manufacturing, and Welding. This major investment marks a significant milestone for Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) and the broader region, as it creates more opportunities for students to gain hands-on training and certifications that will prepare them for the workforce or college.

MCAS Superintendent Dr. Wendel McCollum emphasized the district’s dedication to preparing students for success:
“This new facility is a testament to our commitment to preparing students who are truly college- and career-ready,” said Dr. McCollum. “There’s been a lot of conversation across the state and nation about the importance of Pre-K through Grade 14 education. At Michigan City Area Schools, we’re proud to demonstrate what that truly means by supporting students from their earliest years, all the way through high school and into college or career pathways. I’m excited to see even more Michigan City Area School students take advantage of the exceptional opportunities now available at our LPCCTE South Campus.”

CTE Director Dr. David Notary highlighted the immediate impact the new facility will have on student success:
“This state-of-the-art facility provides students with skills which prepare them for employment in today's workplace,” Dr. Notary said.

The South Campus is equipped with cutting-edge resources designed to simulate real-world working environments. For example, the Health Academy lab includes simulation medical bed stations, providing students with realistic training in healthcare settings. Meanwhile, the Automotive Technology lab features a secure transaction area where students can practice customer service skills by interacting with community members who bring their vehicles in for service.

Importantly, students in any of these programs can earn both high school and college credits through partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University, as well as obtain industry-recognized certifications in fields like welding, construction, precision machining, and more.

Another key feature of the new building is the Little Wolves Early Learning Center preschool, which supports early childhood education and helps nurture the next generation of learners.

At the Michigan City Area Schools’ April School Board meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved naming the new facility the Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins Education Center, in honor of the former superintendent’s remarkable leadership and transformative influence on local education. While Dr. Eason-Watkins was unable to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, MCAS officials say they plan to hold a formal dedication event to unveil the new signage and celebrate her contributions in the near future.

Michigan City Area Schools oversees the LaPorte County CTE program, which currently serves about 350 juniors and seniors from seven surrounding high schools: LaPorte, Michigan City, New Prairie, South Central, Tri-Township, Westville, and New Buffalo. These programs give students from across the region access to high-quality technical education and career preparation.

The project’s design and construction were handled by Performance Services, a leading design-build firm specializing in high-performance educational buildings. Since 1998, Performance Services has worked with K-12 schools, cities, and towns across 14 states to deliver efficient, optimized learning environments tailored to community needs. Headquartered in Indianapolis, the company is known for its focus on sustainable, high-performing buildings that support both student achievement and energy efficiency.

The completion of the South Campus reflects a broader push across Indiana and the nation to strengthen career and technical education pathways, ensuring that students not only graduate high school but are also equipped with practical skills, certifications, and early college credits that can open doors to well-paying jobs and further education.

Originally reported by Michigan City Area Schools in Laporte County.