Circle of Ivy Funds Multiple Projects Across the State

Ivy Tech Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy group, Circle of Ivy, awarded $263,649 to 84 projects across the state at its seventh annual Circle of Ivy Gathering on Friday, November 4. The membership raises funds to diminish barriers to higher education for Ivy Tech Community College students. Circle of Ivy has a statewide reach, with a focus specifically on campus needs and projects that positively impact students. 

Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle Circle of Ivy members awarded $12,000 to support dual-enrolled scholarships. The money will provide support for area high school students who need to take at least one Ivy Tech course to earn a college credential.

“Ivy Tech Community College is committed to providing a pathway for students with our K12 partners to pursue their associate degree or career-focused certificate,” said Lea Anne Crooks, chancellor for Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle. “We often refer to this work as focused on K14, alluding to students planning to continue their education for at least two years following high school.”

Ivy Tech offers two ways for high school students to begin earning college credit. Through dual-credit courses, students can take classes taught at the high school that count as both high school credit and Ivy Tech credit. Ivy Tech dual-credit courses are offered at no cost to the students or their families. Through dual enrollment, high school students can enroll in Ivy Tech courses, taught on campus or online by Ivy Tech professors. Dual-enrolled students are in class with other Ivy Tech students and courses have associated tuition fees. At Ivy Tech, tuition is $149.55 per credit hour or $448.65 per three-credit-hour course.

The $12,000 from the local Circle of Ivy members will create scholarships for approximately 24 local students who have taken advantage of dual-credit offerings and need to enroll in at least one dual-enrollment course to earn a college credential.

Students who take advantage of dual-credit and dual-enrollment courses can graduate high school with an Ivy Tech credential, ready to enter the workforce with the necessary training and skills to earn a high-demand job, or can continue to earn their associate or bachelor’s degree. In the academic year 2021-2022, more than 260 college credentials were awarded to high school students before they graduated high school.

Since its inception in 2015, Circle of Ivy has grown to more than 1,000 members statewide. In seven years, the members have raised more than $1 million to assist with 384 projects. The Terre Haute/Greencastle Circle of Ivy membership includes nearly 100 members. Each year, funding opportunities are presented in a question-and-answer open forum for members to learn more and consider how their support can make the biggest impact on students. Following that event, members vote on how they want to allocate the group’s collective funding.

“This organization has done so much over the years and continues to provide transformative experiences for Ivy Tech students. When women join together, we are a force for good. We are so proud of all the projects that have been funded by the Circle of Ivy,” said Rachel Mullinnix, Executive Director for Ivy Tech Foundation – Terre Haute/Greencastle.

To learn more about Circle of Ivy and how to get involved, visit ivytech.edu/circleofivy.