How Digital Education Paves the way for Community Leadership  

Samantha of Evansville, Indiana, is a sophomore at Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA) who has broken barriers to achieve academic and personal success. Whether it was navigating the foster care system and not having access to an education model that best met her needs, Samantha hasn’t let life’s challenges stop her from making the world a better place.  

During her time in foster care, Samantha was introduced to Taylor, who later adopted her. Taylor was also in the foster care system herself, and has taken in nearly 50 children over the years, with several others choosing digital education. Samantha enrolled in INGDA three years ago, when she was looking for more flexible, engaging education options. Previously, Taylor was driving Samantha to a brick –and- mortar school 45 minutes each way every day, to an environment that didn’t support Samantha’s learning style. 

Enrolling in INGDA has since opened up a world of possibilities to Samantha. She’s had the flexibility and freedom to develop new skills, such as obtaining an OSHA card and first aid certificates, babysitting, and volunteering, all while excelling academically on her own schedule. Samantha’s passion for volunteer work led her to building homes with Habitat for Humanity and participating in the Newburgh Civitan Zombie Farm haunted house.  

As a result of her contributions to her community, the Evansville Boys and Girls Club recently awarded Samantha with their highest honor, naming her “Youth of the Year.” Samantha gave a moving speech to accept her award, and credited her success to her life experiences and role as a leader to her younger siblings. 

Following high school, Samantha plans to enlist in the Army Reserve to become a mortuary assistant. Inspired by her father who serves and is currently deployed, Samantha has goals to travel the world to help recover fallen soldiers and bring them home. 

If you’re looking for education options that will support any future your student chooses, enroll at INGDA today!