Ivy Tech Community College’s Evansville Campus Foundation has received $192,105 of the United Way of Southwestern Indiana’s distribution of $1.1 million in Empowering Employment Pathway grant funds.

“We are grateful for the United Way of Southwestern Indiana Empowering Employment Grant, as it will provide funding for low income and asset-limited individuals to pursue training that leads to in-demand, high-wage careers,” said Ivy Tech Chancellor Daniela Vidal.  “We are excited to help students and job seekers increase their personal income, improve economic mobility, and develop stable, fulfilling careers.”

The funding will be used as part of Ivy Tech’s Work-Based Learning Program which provides workforce training and professional certifications in specific areas of study.  

Nick Bragin, executive director of Ivy+ Career Link at Ivy Tech, said Ivy Tech has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Evansville to integrate work-based learning, home construction, industry-specific certifications, and financial literacy to break down barriers such as poverty and limited education. This will expand equitable access to sustainable career opportunities, Bragin said. “Students will gain industry-recognized certifications, in-demand skills aligned with labor market needs, and/or foundational skills that open the door to further education.”

Programs planned include:

  • Financial Literacy
  • Leadership and Soft Skills Training
  • National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certifications
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Information Technology (IT)/Cybersecurity
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Adult Basic Education (ABE) for individuals needing equivalency when required for enrollment in some Skills Training courses.

To learn more about these programs, and receive upcoming schedules for registration, contact Ivy Tech at evv-reg@ivytech.edu.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.