Rebecca Reiner, the founder and executive director of Neighbors’ Educational Opportunities (NEO) is the driving force behind New Vistas High School (New Vistas). Reiner transformed NEO into a beacon of hope to adults and non-traditional students seeking to achieve their high school diplomas and unlock a brighter future.
“Our motto is that our students are unique and that is what we like about them,” said Reiner. “We really embrace the challenges of each student’s unique story, strengths and gifts.”
Reiner, a Valparaiso native, obtained her degree in education from Indiana University Bloomington. Her journey in education began on the coast of Maine, near Acadia National Park, and spanned a whopping 25 years. Reiner taught public school and received her administrative license. After the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Reiner made an unexpected trip back to Valpo to assist her father in bad health. An intended one-year leave of absence transformed into a permanent venture into alternative educational administration in Portage.
“I knew I wanted to do something different from traditional public school,” said Reiner. “I worked for Portage Adult Education, which was run by Portage Township Schools for 49 years. I worked for them for four years before the program closed in 2011. There was such a public outcry about the need to save the program. In response to huge demand from the community, I put together a board of directors and took on the challenge with the support of many adult teachers and administrators.”
Reiner’s guidance helped establish New Vistas in 2011. Her nonprofit NEO inherited the legacy of Portage Adult Education, offering a three-tiered program that includes a high school diploma pathway, GED and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and a testing site for the GED. With the support of Ball State University, NEO secured a charter to run New Vistas in replacement of Portage Adult High School in 2012 and operated out of the Central Avenue building. NEO later opened its doors in 2016 at the renovated Camelot Bowling Alley to provide students with a spacious learning environment.
“As a small nonprofit, we did not have any funds but needed about 40,000 square feet,” said Reiner. “My imagination when it comes to space is really good, so when our realtor suggested Camelot Bowling Alley with its 70,000 square feet, we decided to roll with it. Long story short, we purchased the bowling alley with a $1 million loan from the State of Indiana and another $3.5 million from 1st Source Bank. We closed on the property in April 2016, and four months later we were open to students.”
Reiner’s day-to-day work is unique due to her multifaceted role. From overseeing educational programs to fundraising, Reiner dedicates her time and resources into building brighter futures. She takes pride in campaigning and working with contractors, childcare providers, and students.
“There is never a dull moment,” said Reiner. “With my team, we work on different programs and build community partnerships. As the adult education provider for Porter County, we facilitate partnerships with entities in Valparaiso, West Chesterton and the Porter County Jail. We also work on partnerships with adult education in Gary, Easy Chicago and Lake Station. I do things a superintendent would do, but as the director of a nonprofit, I help make sure everything is viable—from fundraising to being in charge of the facility and ensuring NEO’s long-term sustainability for students and the community.”
Reiner’s pursuit to secure funding is evident in NEO’s recent reception of a $750,000 grant from Indiana United Way, along with other major grants and donations. Her vision for environmental stewardship manifests in NEO’s Energy Academy, where students lead projects pertaining to recycling, land conservation and air quality monitoring. Reiner also assists in the structural development of the NEO Center, which is set to include a 9,000 square foot childcare center. The project aims to address a critical need for child support in the community while providing hands-on learning opportunities in early childhood education.
“I am reminded every day of the incredible and unique journey of our students,” said Reiner. “My students and team keep me doing this work. Our employee retention rate is huge, and it says something to the caliber of our employees. They believe in our mission and inspire me to do good.”
New Vistas High School caters to a diverse population of adult learners with varying backgrounds, experiences and educational needs. Per Reiner, NEO’s flexible approach encourages students to progress at their own pace, whether they are traditional-age students seeking a smaller classroom or older adults returning to school after a hiatus. Last year, NEO celebrated 250 graduates, demonstrating the profound impact on the community.
“A lot of our students come to us outside of that four-year cohort,” said Reiner. “That’s one of the reasons that New Vistas is vital. Most of our referrals to the high school come from school corporations in the region. They are great students that maybe need a little bit more time. We have an incredible team of high-certified teachers that help them continue with their Core 40 coursework. Their time frame could be four, five or six years in, but every student is on track.”
NEO aims to provide comprehensive support services in its programs to address financial stability, language barriers and career advancement. This includes the ESL program to assist individuals with varying levels of literacy and provide them with successful language skills. Reiner also advocates for the Rising Up campaign, which highlights NEO’s ongoing efforts to secure funding to support its current and future initiatives.
Outside of work, Reiner loves to garden, listen to live music or hang out at the beach. Once she gets to retirement age, she fully plans to get back into her pottery studio and get back into the creative arts.For more information about NEO’s mission and Rising Up campaign, visit: neoadulted.org/history/