Registration open for iEngage
Registration is open for iEngage, the free week-long IU Columbus civics camp for kids, which will be June 24 to 28, for students currently in grades 4-8 to learn how to make a difference in their school, neighborhood and community.
Register for the iEngage civics camp at go.iu.edu/iengage. Early sign-up is encouraged; space is limited to the first 90 campers.
There is no cost to those who participate in iEngage. In addition to the camp itself, students are provided a camp T-shirt, lunch and snacks each day, and if needed, wrap-around care and transportation to and from the Foundation for Youth.
High school students earn credit
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana high school students can get a head start on earning college credits for free this summer from Ivy Tech Community College. For the fourth year, Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses across the state will offer free tuition and textbooks to all eligible Indiana high school students.
To enroll in free summer courses at Ivy Tech, students must be Indiana residents at any high school in the state – including eighth graders entering ninth grade in the fall, graduating seniors, homeschool students, and students at adult high schools. Students who qualify for free summer courses will receive free tuition and textbooks. Courses are available from Ivy Tech’s more than 70 academic programs designed for Indiana’s high-wage, in-demand jobs. Many courses are included in the state’s Core Transfer Library, which ensures students can transfer their credits to public in-state institutions and most private and out-of-state institutions.
Offering free summer courses is part of a series of Ivy Tech initiatives aimed at increasing college going rates of youth and young adults in Indiana. Research finds students who earn college credit while in high school are more likely to enroll in college, stay enrolled in college until they graduate, and complete a credential or degree on time or early.
The free summer program complements Crossing the Finish Line, a similar state initiative that helps students who are just a few credits away from completing a credential do so at Ivy Tech or Vincennes University for free during the summer.
In addition to offering free summer courses, Ivy Tech is the state’s leading awarder of dual credit and the Indiana College Core, a block of 30 credit hours of general education coursework that is guaranteed to transfer between all public state colleges and universities, as well as some private institutions. In this academic year alone, Ivy Tech’s dual credit and dual enrollment offerings have saved Hoosier students and families more than $109 million.
In summer 2023, more than 4,000 high schoolers enrolled in free Ivy Tech courses across the state. Interested students and their families can learn more about how to enroll in the program at IvyTech.edu/FreeCourses.
Chapter partners with Beloved
Students from Ivy Tech Community College’s Columbus Chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) joined forces with local nonprofit Beloved to bring smiles and comprehensive hair care to children in foster care by assembling and distributing more than 200 hair care kits. These hair kits are just one of the many services Beloved provides to the community. They have also delivered hundreds of multicultural feminine hygiene kits, and birthday celebration kits, ensuring displaced kids have materials to care for their own unique needs.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ivy Tech Community College’s NSLS Chapter, drew support from nine dedicated students and three faculty members, who rolled up their sleeves to make a tangible difference in the lives of children in need in Columbus, about 40 miles south of the state’s capital of Indianapolis. NSLS – an organization dedicated to impacting the world by building stronger, more successful leaders – encourages students to partner with local community organizations and host community events to benefit those around them.
“Leading this effort, with support from The National Society of Leadership and Success, was incredibly fulfilling,” said Amani Stewart, Student President, Ivy Tech Community College – Columbus Chapter, The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). “We’re proud to have made this impact in the lives of foster children and give back to our community.”
These hair kits contain satin pillowcase, cloth toiletry bag, shampoo, conditioner, leave-in cream, sleep cap, and more. All of this comes with an instruction card on hair care and on how to use the products.
The effort, which commenced in January under the leadership of the NSLS Chapter President Stewart, culminated in a successful event on March 25, where the students assembled the hair kits. Speaking about the event, one of the volunteers Ja’Nae Reed shared, “As future leaders, it’s vital for us to understand the importance of serving our community. This project has reinforced the value of empathy and compassion in leadership.”
Griz campaign breaks record
FRANKLIN — Alumni, friends and the campus community, joined in the spirit of philanthropy during the college’s 12th annual giving day. The result was the most successful day of giving event ever for the college. A total of $320,659 was raised from 1,112 donors, surpassing the goals of $250,000 and 1,000 donors, according to the college.
“The tremendous support we have seen during #GivetoGRIZ reflects impressive confidence in the mission, direction and future of Franklin College,” President Kerry Prather said in a statement. “Philanthropy is essential to supporting our academic programs, funding scholarships and financial aid, and further enhancing our distinctive and transformational experience for current and future Franklin students.”
The money raised during this one-day giving event goes to the Franklin Fund to provide support for students. Nearly 100% of Franklin College students receive some form of financial aid, many of whom would not otherwise be able to afford a college education, according to the college.
The giving challenge began in 2013, then raising $14,500 from 137 donors. Each year, both the number of donors and the total amount raised have steadily increased, according to the college.
While the one-day giving challenge is over, donations can still be given to the college’s Franklin Fund until June 30. To give online, visit franklincollege.edu/give or call (317) 738-8040.
Classroom briefs
