University of Evansville Expands Signature ChangeLab Program to High School Students for the First Time
Evansville, Ind. (03/04/2026) — The University of Evansville (UE) has expanded its ChangeLab program to the high school level for the first time, marking a significant milestone in youth-led innovation and community change. Lucy Howe is the first high school student ever to earn class credit for a changemaking project prior to graduation through UE's nationally recognized ChangeLab program.
Through a partnership between Memorial High School and the Center for Innovation & Change (CIC), UE created bridge credit and approved internship time for Memorial students to gain hands-on experience. Howe spent an entire semester walking to the CIC three times a week, where she developed and advanced a community-focused project designed to make a meaningful impact before she graduates. Howe also placed second in the recent annual High School Changemaker Challenge.
Her selected project focuses on launching a flag football program for children in the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. Flag football was intentionally chosen for its many benefits: it is affordable and accessible, provides excellent physical exercise, emphasizes safety, and is inclusive and co-ed, allowing kids of all genders and abilities to participate together.
"ChangeLab has meant the world to me. Being able to walk onto campus and work on a project that I'm passionate about and that will help the community is really powerful. Everyone at the CIC supports me in the biggest ways. You will never come across a more encouraging and genuine team of leaders that truly want to help you make a difference," said Lucy Howe, Memorial High School senior and ChangeLab participant. "I'm incredibly grateful to be given this opportunity to do real work in the community as a high school student, and even get class credit for it. This program has given me a new sense of purpose and confidence. Just because you're young doesn't mean you can't make a difference."
ChangeLab is the UE's flagship changemaking program, designed to support students as they turn ideas into action and address real-world challenges. With this expansion, motivated high school students can now earn college credit while still in high school by working on community-based changemaking projects.
"Lucy's work demonstrates what's possible when schools invest in students as creative problem solvers," said Erin Lewis, Executive Director of the Center for Innovation & Change. "For young people who want to make a difference, this is the best place in the nation. We hope other schools will explore this affordable way for young people to distinguish themselves and earn college credit early."
UE holds the distinction of being Indiana's only Ashoka Changemaker Campus, a global designation recognizing institutions committed to social innovation and changemaking. Through the Center for Innovation & Change, students collaborate with experienced coaches and community partners to drive meaningful impact.
"Partnering with the University of Evansville has brought new experiences to our students and better prepared them for college and beyond," said Aaron Schmitt, Principal of Reitz Memorial High School. "Being on campus for courses has helped to show our students the expectations and opportunities that a university has for them when they leave Memorial. Changelab, in particular, has allowed our students to pursue a passion that will affect change in the wider community. As a Holy Cross Catholic school, this fits directly in line with the mission that has been given to our staff and students - the competence to see, and the courage to act."
This first-of-its-kind partnership with Memorial High School creates a new pathway for high school students to engage in college-level, impact-driven learning all while strengthening the Evansville community.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
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