FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): It’s called the first partnership of its kind in Indiana.

Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) is teaming up with the Indiana National Guard. The college tells Inside Indiana Business the collaboration will be focusing on student civic engagement and leadership skills, with the goal of helping students apply critical thinking and creative problem solving to leadership efforts, while also increasing civic engagement and volunteerism.

IPFW Chancellor Vicky Carwein says it will provide “very exciting opportunities for our students to grow in leadership and civic service.”

The National Guard will partner with IPFW on several programs, including a fall student leadership retreat and a “lunch with leaders” series, starting this school year.