Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo
Ivy Tech Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy Circle of Ivy awarded $263,649 to 84 projects at its seventh annual Circle of Ivy Gathering on Friday, November 4. The initiative raises funds to diminish barriers to higher education for Ivy Tech Community College students. Circle of Ivy has a statewide reach, with a focus specifically on campus needs and projects that positively impact students.
Ivy Tech Kokomo, Logansport, Peru, Rochester and Tipton Circle of Ivy raised $16,244 to fund five impactful projects.
- Cash for Completers-Description: Cash for Completers assists students working towards the completion of a certificate, technical certificate, and/or associate degree while in high school. Many of these students face the obstacle of not having the financial means to cover the cost of tuition and fees since high school students are not eligible for financial aid awards.
- Hispanic/Latinx Education Coalition-Description: The Hispanic/Latinx Education Coalition, made up of staff, faculty, students, and community members, strives to impact the Cass County community through educational opportunities at Ivy Tech Community College. The coalition seeks to build relationships and will aid in recruiting and retaining Hispanic/Latinx students making our service area more diverse and multicultural. Funding will include testing fees for foreign language test-out, recruitment materials, snacks for student gathering sessions, swag, and experiences beyond the classroom.
- CastleBranch Record Portal for Nursing and Health Science Students – Description: Health Care students are required to receive a background check, drug screen and demonstrate immunizations before being admitted into their program of study. This information must be submitted through a record keeping program called CastleBranch. The cost of CastleBranch record portal is a minimum of $130 per student. Funds will support students who do not have resources to purchase the CastleBranch subscription.
- Fund-A-Friday, ASAP Enrichment -Description: ASAP, our accelerated associate degree program, continues to grow in our service area and our team has grown to support ASAP in both Kokomo and Logansport locations. The support, enrichment, and celebrations all play a role in the experience ASAP students receive while completing a 2-year-degree in less than one year. Without a doubt, these experiences, in addition to classroom instructional activity and learning environments, are key to their success.
- New Beginnings – Description: With a greater need to combat the increasing decline in labor force, it is essential to identify untapped populations in the community for potential growth opportunities and advancement; short-term (e.g. forklift) training for reentry (second-chance citizens) have the ability to meet that need. The ability to provide short-term (e.g. forklift) training certificates can foster stable employment and positively impact the workforce and community, as well as reduce recidivism. Overall, providing a new beginning in forklift training can address the numerous needs for employers as well as the community in a positive way.
“This organization has done so much over the years and continues to provide transformative experiences for Ivy Tech students. When women join together, we are a force for good. We are so proud of all the projects that have been funded by the Circle of Ivy,” said Courtney Roberts, President of the Ivy Tech Foundation.
Since its inception in 2015, Circle of Ivy has grown to more than 1,000 members. In seven years, the members have raised more than $1 million to assist with 384 projects.
To learn more about Circle of Ivy visit ivytech.edu/circleofivy.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College serves communities across Indiana, providing world-class education and driving economic transformation. It is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering high-value degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its communities, along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
About the Ivy Tech Foundation
The Foundation’s most important function is to provide support for Ivy Tech Community College beyond state appropriations and student fees. Its overall program of work focuses on meeting student needs. Invest IN Ivy Tech, a $285 million statewide fundraising campaign, provides greater opportunity for each of the College’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Learn more at www.ivytech.edu/InvestINIvyTech.