Thanks to the generosity of several community groups, Ivy Tech Community College’s Valparaiso campus awarded scholarships in the form of free classes to recent high school graduates.
Groups donating funds to the scholarships were the Unity Foundation of La Porte County, the Porter County Community Foundations, the Rotary Club of Michigan City, the Rotary Club of La Porte and the Valparaiso Rotary Club Memorial Foundation Scholarship Committee.
A total of more than $20,000 was pledged to assist students who attend Ivy Tech locations in Valparaiso, Michigan City, and La Porte.
“These organizations support improving the quality of life by elevating the college attainment in our unique and diverse communities,” Aco Sikoski, chancellor of Ivy Tech Valparaiso, said. “This is an unusual time for our high school graduates and they are facing many challenges. Receiving this financial assistance for them is greatly appreciated.”
Nearly 90 degree-seeking students who graduated high school in 2020 and who enrolled in three or more credit hours at Ivy Tech’s Valparaiso or Michigan City locations were able to take the college’s four- day Student Success course at no cost.
Maddison Basiak, a 2020 graduate of Valparaiso High School, was one of the scholarship recipients. “I truly appreciate the generous donation towards my education,” Basiak, a General Studies major at Ivy Tech, said. “I am glad I decided to start at Ivy Tech before I transfer.”
Breanne Berkshire, who is studying nursing at Ivy Tech after her recent high school graduation, also received the scholarship.
“To the organizations, thank you so much,” Berkshire said. “You have made a huge impact on my life and I am so grateful!”
Skills learned in the required Student Success course help students establish a solid foundation as they launch into their educational journey.
“I thought that the four-day class was a great way for me to start college,” Berkshire said. “It got me in the mindset of school and was a great way for me to learn to make my way around the websites.”
Indiana’s most affordable class. More courses begin Oct. 26. Those interested in enrolling can apply for free at ivytech.edu/apply-now.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College serves communities across Indiana, providing world-class education and driving economic transformation. It is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering high-value degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its communities, along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
