INDIANAPOLIS – Ivy Tech Community College has earned the Seven Seals Award from the U.S. Department of Defense for the second year in a row for its efforts to support employees who also serve in the Indiana Guard and Reserves.

The award is presented by the Employer Support of Guard and Reserves (ESGR), a Department of Defense organization that focuses on developing cooperation between the National Guard and Reserves, members of the Guard and Reserves and civilian employers. The organization developed the Statement of Support as a means for employers to commit their support to employee members of the guard and reserve.

Ivy Tech Community College employs 471 veterans throughout the college’s 23 campuses.  By signing the Statement of Support, Ivy Tech has committed to promoting training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage their employees who serve, reviewing employee policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Serviced Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law, advocating for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve, and promoting the mission of ESGR.

ESGR supports the Guard and Reserve forces for all branches of service: Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.  They provide free education, consultation and, if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  ESGR’s goal is to support Indiana’s employers who share their employees with the nation to ensure national security.

Ivy Tech Community College is one of the nation’s largest statewide community college systems and the state’s second largest public post-secondary institution with more than 110,000 students enrolled annually.  Ivy Tech has 23 campuses throughout Indiana.  It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana.  It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.