Program Focus Take A Course On Us

Northeastern High School senior Drew Rhoda wanted to explore whether going on to college was right for him. The TACO U program available at his local Ivy Tech campus gave him that opportunity. Through Take A Course On Us, Drew signed up for English 111 and is now thoroughly enjoying the course. He has adapted well to his three-hour night classes though he does acknowledge that there is definitely an increased responsibility expected of college students.

Northeastern High School enthusiastically supports the College’s tuition-free program, and Drew decided to enroll after Stephanie Hill Alexander, Assistant Director of Admissions at Ivy Tech, spoke to his high school class. He notes that at first, “I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with a college class.” As with most students, his fears were groundless and he is doing just fine.

Drew has been accepted at a four-year university, and plans to begin his studies there next fall. He would recommend Take A Course On Us to fellow high school seniors, but emphasizes that college is very different from high school and students need to be prepared to accept the increased responsibility.

Take A Course On Us is Ivy Tech Richmond's invitation to area high school seniors to take one or two classes tuition free. The program allows students to jump-start their college education by earning college credit while still in high school. Students are eligible to take any Ivy Tech class for which they meet the prerequisite requirements. The program has been very successful with over 750 students from Wayne, Fayette, Franklin, Union, Rush, Henry and Randolph counties participating since the program’s inception in 1999.

The program was the brain-child of Jeff Plasterer, Director of Admissions, who envisioned it as another vehicle for encouraging greater participation in higher education. He explains that, "All available research indicated that one of the best ways to get students to attend was to get them into your building." So, a taco lunch was hosted for area high school counselors who munched while the program was explained. Take A Course On Us has now become the primary means of reaching local high school students with information about Ivy Tech, and then getting them onto the campus. From 60 to 100 students take advantage of the program each semester. The program is available to all high school seniors in participating counties, as well as students who are home-schooled, or who attend parochial or alternative schools. Each term, students from different schools and circumstances are welcomed into the program, and there are always at least a couple of students from the Richmond FIND Center too.

Stephanie Hill Alexander is very enthusiastic about the program. "Take A Course On Us has really been a labor of love for me. I've seen many apprehensive students walk through the door and I've seen Take A Course On Us change those students. They gain confidence and the knowledge that they can be successful in college. It's been really amazing."

Some students have very definite ideas about what they want for their future and what Take A Course On Us can do for them, and others come just to test the college waters and explore potential career interests. Just the experience of going through the college admission procedure can be valuable to a student who may be intimidated at the thought of taking college courses. Take A Course On Us students are also encouraged to join clubs and other activities and organizations on campus to give them a taste of college life. According to Stephanie Hill Alexander, many new students take advantage of this opportunity.

Jonathan Spear is completing his first Take A Course On Us class at Ivy Tech, and plans to take another in the spring. He has found the experience both enjoyable and helpful. Jonathan is currently taking an Ivy Tech microcomputer class and says, “It’s been very helpful. I’ve really enjoyed my teacher, Curtis Pittinger.”

Jonathan has found his experience in Take A Course On Us helpful in acclimating him to the world of higher education. “I think the program is very good. It gives high school students the option of taking a college level class, using their time wisely, and getting some of the preparatory classes out of the way before they officially begin their college career.”

Take A Course On Us students have successfully transferred to schools such as Miami University, the University of Michigan, IUPUI, Ball State University and many others. Some of them already knew they wanted to go to college when they began the program, while others were uncertain how they would fare in college. Ivy Tech’s Take A Course On Us gave them the confidence to commit themselves to further higher education. Either way, in Stephanie Alexander’s words, “Take A Course On Us changes students’ lives.”