Kokomo Experience and You

The Kokomo Experience and You

We learn from our experiences. Our professional, social, casual, and formal interactions all play a part in determining who we become as members of society. At Indiana University Kokomo, we’re providing a wealth of opportunities to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to create lifelong learners.

The Kokomo Experience and You (KEY) program began to provide IU Kokomo students with unique, hands-on opportunities to explore the fields they want to enter after graduation. Since its inception, KEY has expanded to include the KEY Academy, where community members can join in the KEY experience by participating in immersive events and travel opportunities; as well as the KEY Center for Innovation, where local businesses, nonprofits and government agencies connect with the IU Kokomo campus.

You hold the KEY to your future – let us help you open the door!

Explore the KEY initiative

The KEY

Indiana University Kokomo students can participate in four years of experiential education experiences.

KEY Academy

Expand your knowledge, explore your interests, and become a life-long learner.

KEY Summer Institute

Start your college experience off on the right step, and attend the KEY Summer Institute.

KEY Center for Innovation

Local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies are invited to partner with the faculty and students of IU Kokomo.

Explore the world of KEY

A large group of students and faculty on a KEY trip at the Chicago Pier.
Two students on a picnic table working on a project.
A lady looking astonished at a bird placed on her hand.

To view photos and memories from more KEY trips and opportunities, as well as other IU Kokomo events, visit our Flickr account.

Show your support

The KEY program provides students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members with the chance to experience exciting educational events in part through generous donations from our Cougar community. Help us to continue to provide IU Kokomo with lifelong learning experiences!

Donate now

Students visited Europe for a KEY World War II literature class.

World War II trip connects history, literature

It’s one thing to read stories about what happened in World War II.

It’s another to walk in the footsteps of those who lived it.

About a dozen Indiana University Kokomo students experienced that history this summer, with a 14-day Kokomo Experience and You (KEY) trip to sites significant to World War II.

Turn the KEY
Students and Dean Chauret on a KEY trip in front of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California.

KEY program changing lives, sparking dreams

Travel has been a hallmark of the KEY program since it was founded. The goal is to provide students with real-world experiences, connect them with people, and offer a travel experience within their major.

Destinations have included sites significant to World War II in Germany, France, and England; a business incubator in Nashville, Google headquarters in California, Indiana Dunes National Park, ESPN in North Carolina, behind-the-scenes in security at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and much more.

Learn more
Group of Business students in Denmark on a KEY trip.

Students explore sustainable business in Denmark

"Have you spoken to any LEGO executives lately?

IU Kokomo students have. They also have visited the LEGO House and had a chance to experience its innovative business model firsthand. (If you are a LEGO lover, brace yourself. They had access to thousands of pieces, hours to build, and some incredible builds to inspire them.)

Our LEGO experience was only one part of one day in a 10-day Kokomo Experience and You (KEY) trip to Denmark – a transformative experience that opened the eyes (and minds) of 20 students, and me." - Chancellor Mark Canada.

Turn the KEY