J Everett Light Career Center

J Everett Light Career Center Academics

An educational institution as unconventional as its name, the J Everett Light Career Center (known to students as “the J”) has been offering classes and vocational training since 1972. Located in Indianapolis, students in high school can take classes for college credit, while technicians can learn a trade and nursing students can begin their careers. Each of these things is taking place at the J Everett Light Career Center, along with workshops and continuing education for adults.

J Everett Light himself was a vocational instructor who was once Superintendent of the Washington Township School District. Hoping to establish a school which would prepare students for college as well as the job world right out of high school, he worked for years to formulate plans for submission to the state’s Department of Education. After several attempts were rejected, Light’s final scaled-down version of a school was accepted in 1970. Light passed away before the school was completed but it continues to bear his name.

Marion, Hamilton and also Boone County are served by the J, which welcomes students from all over the area. Following Light’s vision, the center offers a number of classes to high school students which can double as college credit. As many experts are downplaying the importance of a four-year degree – especially for students interested in technical work – there are a number of courses preparing students for direct entry to the workplace after one or two years of study. Among these offered at the JEL Center are Welding, Cosmetology, Computer Repair, Automotive Collision Repair and Web & Software Programming.

Further credit courses include Hospitality Services, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Services, Communications Technology and Public Safety education. Many of these subjects can lead the student down the road to a 4-year baccalaureate degree.

As for the Nursing Program at the J, accreditation is received from the Indiana State Board of Nursing and nearly all of the Center’s graduates end up completing their requirements successfully. Students can become a Licensed Practical Nurse over the course of eighteen months, fully covered by the JEL Center.

Another unique characteristic of the JEL Center is the Student Skills Guarantee. Once a certificate is received by a student, the guarantee goes into effect. If a future employer finds that skills are lacking in that person within the following calendar year, the Center will supplement the education required free of charge.