Evansville - Student Funds for Excellence

Meet Michael - School Supplies for Excellence 

"Two years ago, my wife, Krista, and I had successful careers, a new son… then my wife had a life-altering trauma that left her paralyzed with severe brain damage. I quit my job and became a full-time caregiver and advocate. I guess I’m good at it, because friends and healthcare providers kept encouraging me to enter the nursing field. I looked into Ivy Tech Evansville. My finances and time are tight, but with the help of Dean Lindsay, I found a way to make school work. Today, at 42, I’m changing careers and I’m dedicated to making a difference for others—including my wife and son," shared Michael. 

THE NEED  Students visit Ivy Tech's Writing Center and Lamkin Student Success center for a variety of needs. Your donation to School Supplies for Excellence helps students, like Michael, receive school supplies such as paper, USB drives, toiletries and much more. Students without the resources they need face challenges in the classroom beyond what another student might face, including lacking support systems, and difficulty adjusting to social cues. The Ivy Tech Writing Center creates an opportunity for peer-to-peer interaction, and the result is huge. Students become more open to learning and participating, they feel better, and they improve academically and socially in their classes. Every student has a unique story and a unique reason to succeed.  

Meet Ceani and Danielle - Dual-Enrolled Students Ahead of the Game 

Graduating from college is an accomplishment in itself, but through Ivy Tech's dual enrollment programs such as Early College, Ceani Perez-Franco and Danielle Fleenor will graduate from Ivy Tech Community College Evansville with an associate degree in general studies while still in high school!

Ceani agrees that earning a college degree while in high school was "an amazing, affordable opportunity". Ceani shared, "Neither of my parents attended high school. My mother, a single parent of five, recognized the benefits of going to college - but wasn't sure how she could afford to send me until this opportunity came along." 

 “My parents liked the idea of me earning a degree along with my high   school diploma...I knew it would be a game changer,” Danielle said. Through the great support   system provided at HACC, Michael said he has been able to explore himself, become more   independent and prepare to take the next step in his life. After graduation, both students plan to earn their bachelor's degree. 

 THE NEED  By expanding dual enrollment opportunities to under served students, higher   education can become a real possibility. These students need financial support to cover out-of-   pocket expenses such as tuition, fees, and textbooks. With the help of local companies,   community partners and individuals, we can make higher education attainable for everyone. Your investment can make a real difference for our students, our school, our community, and state.

Meet Saeed Walcott - Taking a Fresh Start

Saeed's college experience started out attending a 4-year private institution where he shared he "didn't fit in" and wanted to come back closer to home in a smaller classroom setting. He transferred to Ivy Tech seeking his degree in Robotics and Automation. Often times when students transfer, if not done timely, they risk owing back federal aid and/or not being eligible for aid at their next college of attendance. Saeed connected with faculty and staff on campus to see what the options where to finanically support his education and career goals. For many students who attempted college and dropped out, returning can be seen as a feat, especially if you have financial debt with the college. 

THE NEED  A fresh start. The Fresh Start 2020 program provides students with a financial hold the opportunity to return to Ivy Tech to complete their credential. Eligible students are those who are not currently attending Ivy Tech and are unable to re-enroll in classes because of debt accrued between summer 2008 and summer of 2017. Eligible students include those who owe $50-1,500 and have a 1.8 or above GPA. This is a unique opportunity allowing students to finish what they have started. Your support can help students take a second chance in higher education, a gift of a fresh start.