Heartland Career Center was formed pursuant to the Acts of 1936, as amended and came into being in 1965 with an agreement between four school corporations. Heartland is a cooperative school operating as an independent school corporation but with no taxation power. Heartland is governed by a Board of Managers who have the power under joint contract to set policy and operate the school. 

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Heartland Career Center serves 9 schools that are located within 5 school districts in 4 different counties, covering approximately 1,600 square miles.