Indiana American Water, in partnership with the American Water Charitable Foundation, awarded a $25,000 grant to GEO Academies on Thursday, October 23 to support the school’s Workforce Readiness and STEM education programs. The check presentation took place at GEO’s Gary campus, with nursing students, school officials, and corporate representatives in attendance.
The grant will fund critical equipment and resources at GEO’s Health Sciences Center and Culinary Arts Center, where students receive hands-on training in high-demand fields. GEO Academies CEO Kevin Teasley said the funding is a significant boost for the school’s workforce development programs.
“We’re very appreciative of American Water’s support,” Teasley said. “This $25,000 will certainly help our students. We have a very nice Health Sciences Center and Culinary Arts Center. All of this equipment is extremely expensive, and this grant is offsetting the cost.”
Teasley emphasized the unique nature of GEO Academies, which offers students opportunities to explore a wide range of career paths while earning college credits or degrees at no cost to them.
“We partner with Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University Northwest, and Indiana University Northwest to make sure our students get the education they need,” Teasley said. “For instance, if a student wants to be a pilot, we have an aviation program. If they want to be a welder or an auto mechanic, we’ve got programs for that, too. Many of our students are earning associate degrees while they’re still in high school.”
Justin Mount, Indiana American Water's director of operations, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting education and workforce development.
“At Indiana American Water, we believe in investing in our communities and the future workforce,” Mount said. “This grant is just one of the ways we’re helping to empower students and ensure they have the tools they need for success. What GEO Academies is doing is inspiring. They’re not just preparing students for careers; they’re helping them realize their full potential and break the mold of traditional education.”
One of the most impressive achievements at GEO Academies is its ability to offer students a head start in higher education. Teasley noted that some students have graduated with full bachelor’s degrees before finishing high school.
“Our school ranks 13th in the entire state of Indiana, and our students are outperforming the state average by nine times when it comes to earning college and career credentials," Teasley said. "The state average is 5%, but we’re at 27% and on track to hit 60% by 2025, years ahead of the state’s 2030 goal."
Teasley also highlighted the school’s success in outperforming traditional public schools in college and career readiness. GEO Academies ranks 13th in the state of Indiana, with students graduating at significantly higher rates than the state average.
“Statewide, only 5% of students graduate with an Indiana College Core or associate degree,” Teasley said. “At this school, we’re at 27%. We’re on track to reach 60% by 2025—five years ahead of the state’s 2030 goal.”
“We’re excited to work with GEO Academies and support their mission,” Mount said. “This grant is just the beginning, and we hope to continue to collaborate on initiatives that benefit the students and the community.”
The partnership between GEO Academies and Indiana American Water aims to provide students with the tools and education they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive job market. The grant will further GEO’s mission of breaking barriers for low-income students and offering them opportunities to thrive in both college and career settings.
To learn more about GEO Academics, visit geoacademies.org, and to learn more about Indiana American Water, please visit amwater.com/inaw.
