On Thursday, September 28 Ivy Tech Community College announced the launch of a new program that will be offered through its Vocational Training and Empowerment Center (VTEC), a division of Opportunity Enterprises. In this program, individuals of all abilities will get to explore an education in light industrial work as well as receive a certificate of Basic Production Principles from Ivy Tech.
The day marked not only the beginning of a wonderful partnership but was also a huge first step in providing people with disabilities the opportunity to have a true post-secondary experience.
“Today is special. This occasion marks tremendous collaboration, planning, and joint efforts between our team here at Ivy Tech and Opportunity Enterprises. Together we’ve dug in our heels and connected the dots on how we can better serve our surrounding communities across the Region,” said Ivy Tech Chancellor Aco Sikoski.
People from all over the community gathered at Ivy Tech in Valparaiso to show their support for the new partnership and program. Even Indiana State Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch attended the event to give both organizations her congratulations. She was deeply touched by what they’ve set out to achieve and the commitment they have to their community.
“Not only is the partnership between Opportunity Enterprises and Ivy Tech unique, but it sets the bar for other community colleges and nonprofits. They’re doing something incredible and it’s giving these Hoosiers meaningful lives. I am so proud of their leadership, collaboration, and compassion. Hellen Keller said ‘Alone we can do so little but together we can do so much.’ That’s exactly what they’ve done. Together they are doing so much,” said Crouch.
The new VTEC program will begin in October and run for 12 weeks. During the program, students will develop all kinds of professional skills including how to write a resume, time management, budgeting, problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution. They’ll also partake in hands-on labs and learn how to do things like create and build products as well as assemble large products with machines. The program will truly empower these individuals to pursue whatever goals they have their hearts set on.
Right now there is a demand for workers like never before, yet 81% of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities remain unemployed. Many employers won’t give these individuals a chance despite them being some of the most hardworking employees a company could ever ask for.
Neil Samahon, president and CEO of Opportunity Enterprises, emphasized that this new program will shift the narrative and show companies just how valuable these individuals are.
“The time of believing that hiring someone with a disability is an act of philanthropy is over. By developing this course and through this partnership we have not just a motivated workforce, but a trained workforce that will exit this program with a valuable certification,” said Samahon.
Robert Schilmiller, plant manager of Continental, has already hired several individuals who have graduated from Opportunity Enterprises’ VTEC program. He’s learned for himself just how wonderful it is to work with these individuals and can’t recommend them enough.
“The individuals that we hired fit in immediately with our company’s culture. We have found these people dependable, hardworking, and detail-oriented. They have diversified our employee talent pool, bringing in a wide range of perspectives and skills that have helped drive innovation and creativity. We are so grateful for this partnership,” said Schilmiller.
What’s also wonderful about this new program is that it gives people with disabilities the opportunity to have the same college experience as any other Ivy Tech student.
“What’s being provided is not only a great education and great training for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Equal to that is what is happening here on this campus. Our students will have the same experiences as all the other individuals enrolled here. They’ll have access to study areas and can hang out at the coffee shop and even shop at the bookstore. It’s awesome that the students of this program will enjoy all that this wonderful campus has to offer,” said Samahon.
Libbi Higginbotham, a VTEC graduate, is currently celebrating her second anniversary as a SecureShred employee. She’s grateful that she had the chance to pursue her education. In her current position, she’s gotten to do everything from data entry to dismantling electronics. She even earned her forklift operation certification. Through this new program, the sky becomes the limit for what these individuals can achieve.
“Working here at SecureShred has taught me a lot of skills and given me a lot of confidence. I love my job. If I can say anything today it is don’t give up on us. We’ve worked really hard to get where we are and we are dedicated to our jobs,” said Higginbotham.
Ultimately, the new partnership between Ivy Tech and Opportunity Enterprises has already brought an incredible amount of joy to our community. Time will only tell how many lives the new program will touch and how many workforces will be transformed by an influx of amazing employees.
To learn more about Ivy Tech Community College, visit www.ivytech.edu.
