EVANSVILLE, IN – Ivy Tech Evansville Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy Circle of Ivy has awarded $20,000 that was donated by its members in the Evansville region, for four projects benefiting current or potential students at Ivy Tech. Statewide the Circle of Ivy provided a total of $263,649 to 84 projects.
The initiative raises funds to diminish barriers to higher education for Ivy Tech Community College students.
Evansville’s funds were provided for the following projects which were voted on by the members of the Evansville region Circle of Ivy:
Amount Funded: $2,355
Stamp Your Passport: Global Learning is for Everyone (Study Abroad)
This funding provides scholarships for students to study abroad in Budapest and Prague during 2023, as well as for international educational opportunities and events on the campus. A partnership between Student Life, Wellness and Fitness, and Study Abroad has been formed. Students will have a variety of opportunities to learn about their world on and off campus. Many of the campus events help to strengthen the tie between academics, and other areas of the institution, providing students with a comprehensive, and holistic learning experience.
Amount Funded: $4,600
Advising Technology Upgrade
To aid in serving students better, safely, and more efficiently, this funding will provide one-on-one devices for students and advisors to use in a new style of advising and enrolling students and meet federal regulations for privacy of information. Students will be able to sign in securely using these mobile devices to register and access their student information. The devices will reduce paperwork and student traffic to the different offices on campus, making Advising the place where students go to get enrolled. And, this also allows advisors the ability to be flexible about where they meet with students – even right outside classrooms or in the Commons.
It will also allow advisors to participate in registration fairs, and also help student apply for loaner laptops and emergency services, as well as on location at local high schools.
Amount Funded: $10,000
Community Engagement: Adult Education and Literacy Programs
Circle of Ivy will provide the finances necessary to serve students and the community in the Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and Literacy Programs offered at Ivy Tech. Additional funds will be allocated to pay for exams and bus passes, establish new program locations, and purchase digital textbooks for distance learning. Due to the community need for adult education and literacy programs, our campuses’ accelerated growth has exceeded the allotted grant funding in only the first half of the year. These programs are offered to the community as free open entry/ open exit programs designed to assess and academically challenge adult students who would like to learn English as a second language or acquire the core skills needed to earn a High School Equivalency diploma. Instructors provide 45 hours of Adult Education and English Literacy programming each week in Princeton, Rockport, and at three Evansville locations.
Amount Funded: $3,044.96
Ivy Success: Look GOOD! Feel GOOD! Do GOOD!
Ivy+ Career Link will provide motivated Ivy Tech students in their final two semesters of classes with the opportunity to access resources that will allow them to look good, feel confident, and be successful in their job search. Resources include an Ivy Success Package of a professional grade pen and padfolio for the completing participants, along with the chance to be awarded an Ivy Success Platinum Package of a $25 gas card to assist with transportation to & from interviews and a $100 gift card to assist with purchasing interview attire. To be awarded the Ivy Success Package and qualify to possibly be awarded the Ivy Success Platinum Package, students will complete three critical tasks related to job search success: 1) draft a resume and have it reviewed by a Career Coach, 2) upload resume to HireIvy and get it approved for use on the site, and 3) complete a mock interview either in person or online via interviewing.com, including feedback from a Career Coach and the review of information addressing appropriate interview attire.
“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.
“We are so excited to see all of the great things that our local Circle of Ivy members have been able to do for our students, said Celia Shoulders, executive director for resource development, for the Ivy Tech Foundation in Evansville. “Not only does our organization come together for fun events and to learn more about the college, but members also care deeply and give to help our students. We hope even more women will want to join our Circle of Ivy.â€
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.
