Ivy Tech Evansville - Helping Hands

What is Helping Hands?

We’ve all been there. Sometimes we just need a helping hand. Thankfully, through donors, most who’ve “been there”, we have been able to support dozens of students needs for emergency aid. 

Helping Hands is a solution-based fund that assists students with their emergency financial needs so they can stay on track and in school. It was started by Ivy Tech Evansville’s mental health counselor in 2011, after she realized the stress and anxiety students were facing was often linked to financial issues. 

Is it Successful?

During the 2018/2019 school year alone, 47 students requested over $12,000 in emergency aid from Helping Hands. To hear stories of students who benefited from Helping Hands, as well as some thoughts from our faculty and staff, click here.

What Kinds of Requests do Students Make?

While we see a wide range of requests, textbooks and transportation (i.e. gas, bus pass, etc.) are the most highly requested areas for support. We asked some of our faculty what it means when a student does not have a textbook:

 “Without textbooks, students…

…are unable to reach their full academic potential.”—Chris Kaufman, Automotive Program Chair. 

…may not have the foundational materials needed to be successful in class.” –Andrea Boberg, Early Childhood Education Program Chair. 

How is Helping Hands Funded?

This fund is primarily supporting by faculty and staff. They see firsthand the difference Helping Hands makes in the lives of our student. However, resources are limited.

While we collaborate with many support agencies in our community, the need is often right now and these funds can keep them in school right now. That's where YOU come in.

How Can I Help?

Your gift to Helping Hands is crucial in addressing this challenge for many Ivy Tech students. Helping Hands gets them the books and basic necessities needed to survive and thrive, not only in the classroom, but in life.

A gift designated to Helping Hands can mean the difference between a student following their dreams or falling short. Offer a student a hand up today, and make a gift to Helping Hands.