Partnerships that Open Doors
Maloree Green poses with his Purdue University certificate following a celebratory event recognizing her acceptance into Purdue University.
Partnerships That Open Doors: How Real-World Experiences Help Students Find Their Direction
At Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS), learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Through partnerships, field trips, and hands-on experiences, students are able to explore careers, test interests, and discover paths they may not have considered before.
For Maloree Green, those experiences helped turn curiosity into clarity—and played a key role in shaping her future plans.
Learning by Seeing What’s Possible
Maloree always knew she wanted to attend Purdue University. But like many students, she was still figuring out what she wanted to study. Through PPHS, she had access to a wide range of experiences that helped her explore different fields and imagine what life after high school could look like.
A Field Trip That Changed Everything
One experience, in particular, stood out. Through PPHS, Maloree participated in a field trip to Purdue that included a construction management workshop. During the visit, students engaged in hands-on project work, learned what a day in the life of a construction management student looks like, and met with industry professionals—including representatives from local construction companies.
That real-world exposure made an immediate impact.
“We got to see what a day in the life of a construction management degree looks like,” Maloree explained. “That actually influenced my decision to switch my major.”
Support That Keeps Students on Track
Beyond experiential learning, Maloree credits PPHS with helping her navigate the college application process. Representatives from Purdue visited campus multiple times to support students with applications, and PPHS’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) programming provided consistent check-ins to ensure students stayed on track.
“They were constantly monitoring us to make sure we were doing what we needed to do,” Maloree said.
That combination of exposure and support helped Maloree move forward with confidence.
What Partnerships Mean at PPHS
Maloree’s story reflects what Partnerships look like in action at PPHS:
Field trips and workshops that expose students to real careers
Industry partners who help students understand what different paths truly involve
Support systems that guide students through planning and decision-making
These experiences don’t just inform students—they empower them to make choices based on real understanding.
Learn more about how partnerships help students discover what’s possible and move confidently toward what comes next.
www.pphs.purdue.edu/strategic-plan-2025-2028
