Five Star Life started in 2005, and is now in school districts across the nation, serving thousands of students. Through the use of curriculum, intentional mentoring, and experiential learning, students receive character education, leadership development, improve their academics, and learn to refocus and tackle obstacles.

Students in the Drum2Change program perform in a group called “Roots of Rhythm.” This program, based on the World Music Drumming curriculum, aligns lessons with the national education standards for music. Engaging in music fosters teamwork, responsibility, goal setting, and improves focus.

St. Joe CEO gives high school students the freedom and opportunity to take risks. Students learn innovative business concepts to enhance their future.

Students at Lakeland High School in Lagrange County have an opportunity to think beyond the pages of a textbook, as they develop tangible business concepts that impact their future.

Students at Goshen College want to live a significant life. They are eager to give back to their community and learn life lessons from those they serve.

Saint Joseph High School in South Bend is committed to service. Throughout the year students participate in many community service projects including their annual Thanksgiving H.O.P.E food drive.

The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and Harrison Primary Center have adopted the Responsive Classroom approach, providing students with a sense of belonging, safety, and significance.

The teaching program at Indiana University South Bend is evolving. Teacher roles are changing and classroom demands are increasing. With a reputation for graduating exceptional educators, and improving education across the region, we were curious how students are prepared to respond to the needs of youth today.

The staff at Southside School believes that improving behavioral success is accomplished through proactive, positive reinforcement techniques. One approach to positive behavior support is the "Safe & Civil Schools" program.

The Early Learning Center at Granger Community Church has incorporated technology into their early childhood programs. While some advocate that technology can promote effective learning, others worry about the negative impacts on younger students.

Plymouth Schools have recently incorporated a one-to-one learning concept in their school system, which gives each student their own device for individualized learning. Some educators say that one-to-one learning is making a teacher’s jobs harder, while others say it’s transforming education for the better.

To see the role technological advancements are playing in higher education, we visited Ivy Tech Community College in Warsaw, home of the Orthopedic & Advanced Manufacturing Training Center.

Elkhart Community Schools has a new plan to help students achieve academic success. The most controversial part of this plan is the merging of Elkhart Memorial and Elkhart Central High schools. Following a public forum last week with over 20 voices from the community, the plan was approved to move forward by a vote of 6-1.

In 2013, following the recession, Lake Michigan College brought together industrial leaders to look ahead. Manufacturing was seen as an opportunity to move the economy forward by creating new inventions, and since then has created exciting opportunities for students and businesses in Southwest, Michigan. The Hanson Technology Center and Fab Lab at Lake Michigan College have created programs, where students are infused with ideas and are supporting the private sector industry.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private schools based on their overall academic excellence or on their progress in closing achievement gaps. To qualify for application, schools must be in the top 15% of statewide testing scores. We spoke with educators and students at Meadow's Edge Elementary School, Prairie Vista Elementary School, and Saint Pius X Catholic School.