Ivy Tech Kokomo Circle of Ivy awards more than $21K to support students

Women’s philanthropy group works to lower barriers to higher ed for Hoosier students

Circle of Ivy, the women’s philanthropy circle of the Ivy Tech Foundation, has raised more than $21,000 this year to support programs at Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area. 

“The local chapter’s 137 amazing members raised $21,164 this year and voted to fund seven projects that will empower, equip and elevate our students,” Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area Chancellor Dr. Ethan Heicher said. “Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and the generosity of Circle of Ivy will allow more of them to excel and adequately prepare for their careers. These opportunities make Indiana and our community stronger.”

Over the last nine years, Circle of Ivy has grown to more than 1,000 members at Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses and has raised more than $1.4 million to help students across the state. 

Founded in 2015, Circle of Ivy focuses on the needs of students attending Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana’s largest postsecondary institution and workforce engine. Circle of Ivy builds opportunities and diminishes barriers to higher education by raising funds to help with emergency needs as well as sending students abroad for educational opportunities, providing instructional support with classroom technology, textbooks and other critical programs. 
 
“The commitment of the women who make up Circle of Ivy should be inspiring to everyone associated with Ivy Tech,” Ivy Tech Foundation President Courtney Roberts said. “I am personally proud to be part of an organization doing so much good for our students – the future leaders of our communities. Ivy Tech is integral to Indiana’s success story, and the commitment and generosity of women who belong to Circle of Ivy help make it happen.” 

The Ivy Tech Kokomo Circle of Ivy members voted to support the following seven projects submitted by faculty and staff:

• $4,000 for gap funding for the Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Program, through scholarships for paraprofessionals pursuing a teaching degree.
• $2,500 to support the diverse population of Cass County by addressing the unique challenges multicultural students face.
• $3,700 to fund enrichment activities and experiences for students in the ASAP Program.
• $3,980 to support Health Care and Nursing students who cannot afford the program subscription required to document background check, drug screen and immunization records.
• $4,000 for “Friday Night at the ER,” an interactive tabletop simulation game that immerses teams of students in the experience of managing a hospital during a hectic 24-hour period. 
• $1,234 in membership fee assistance to reduce financial barriers some qualified students face in becoming a member of the Phi Theta Kappa student honor society.
• $1,750 for multicultural graduation stoles that allow graduating students to proudly represent their cultural heritage at commencement.

The Kokomo Circle of Ivy’s spring dinner meeting is set for Thursday, May 1, in Hingst Hall on the Kokomo Campus. The event will include The Giving Shelf food drive and an opportunity to hear updates on the impact of Circle-funded projects.

To learn more about how to become a member of Ivy Tech’s Circle of Ivy, visit ivytech.edu/circleofivy. For more information, contact Ivy Tech Kokomo Resource Development Director Miriam Thomas at mlthomas@ivytech.edu or at 765-252-5500.