Indianapolis Metropolitan High School is a free public school offering a high school education to students in grades 9-12. Indy Met is a best-fit school for teens experiencing circumstances that may present barriers to achieving an education, with an emphasis on ensuring students have a college or career pathway after graduation. The school’s model motivated Bruce Odom to pursue a postsecondary education and become a lifelong learner.

Bruce enrolled as a freshman at Indy Met in 2019. For Bruce, Indy Met was the obvious choice: the school building was close to his home, and he had family members who were Indy Met alumni. Having heard great things about the basketball program, Bruce was also excited to play on the team.

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Bruce’s enthusiasm for school plummeted, affecting his performance and grades.

“I wasn’t really paying attention in class,” said Bruce. “I didn't know the importance of learning.”

At Indy Met, students have access to coaches who not only fulfill their role in helping students reach postsecondary goals but also act as personal cheerleaders and guidance counselors. They form relationships with families and stay in contact with students to work around barriers and provide access to resources. When Bruce was struggling, his coach motivated him to value learning and showed him what opportunities education could afford students after high school. For the following years of his high school career, Bruce improved his grades and looked forward to the possibilities after graduation.

“Graduation doesn’t feel real because high school went by so fast,” said Bruce. “But it means a lot to me. I can’t wait to get to college.”

Bruce is expected to graduate in the spring of 2025. Despite being undecided on what field he’d like to pursue in college, Bruce sees many routes for himself academically and professionally. Regardless of what field he enters, he still wants to remain passionate about learning.

“In five years, I still want to be working on myself – still in school and still learning.”

Indy Met has served Indianapolis students for 20 years, helping them overcome barriers and reach postsecondary goals! To learn more about the school’s model and services, visit indianapolismet.org.