Ivy Tech awards scholarships to Excel Center graduates

7/7/2016

The Times

Ivy Tech Community College is awarding scholarships to the 2016 class of Excel Center graduates. This month was the first commencement ceremony for the class of graduates from the new Excel Center location at the Ivy Tech Hamilton County Campus.

Of the class of 23 graduates from the Noblesville Excel Center location, at least 10 plan to attend Ivy Tech to pursue their secondary education this fall. The College will award each graduate a scholarship for a three credit hour class. Ivy Tech scholarships are available to Excel Center graduates from all 11 locations in Central Indiana.

“Ivy Tech Community College scholarships for Excel Center High School graduates help students begin working toward a college degree or an industry certification at the same location, with shared advising and support services,” said Ivy Tech Hamilton County Campus President Dan Clark, Ph.D.

Through the Excel Center, adults who did not complete high school are able to earn a Core 40 diploma tuition-free, with wraparound support services. Those who choose to attend Ivy Tech upon graduation can pursue an associate degree or industry certification in one of the more than 150 programs offered by the College.

“We are so proud of the hard work this group of adults has put into achieving their goals,” said Betsy Delgado, vice president of mission advancement and education for Goodwill Industries of Indiana. “Our partnership with Ivy Tech will certainly contribute to the continued success of our students.”

Carlos Hernandez of Noblesville is one of the graduates who will attend Ivy Tech Hamilton County this fall and take advantage of the scholarship. He stated that Ivy Tech offers the flexibility he needs as a working parent. “I’m taking classes at Ivy Tech because they are affordable and they have a campus close to home.” Hernandez said. “I have a son, so I need to be close to him.” He plans to pursue his degree in criminal justice.

Ivy Tech Hamilton County offers classes in multiple classes, including: Advanced Automation & Robotics Technology, Building Construction Technology, Business Administration, Computer Science, Design Technology, HVAC, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Liberal Arts, Machine Tool Technology, Software Development and the General Education Transfer Core, which transfers to any public four-year college or university. Fall classes at Ivy Tech start August 22. Visit www.ivytech.edu for more information.

The Excel Center is a public charter school that provides adults the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and begin post-secondary education.

Each school provides students with licensed teachers and online support; a free drop-in center for child care; and a flexible environment that gives each student a realistic path for their educational success and career.

The school operates year-round to allow students to learn at their own pace and complete their educational requirements. In addition to earning a Core40 high school diploma, The Excel Center pays tuition costs for students to take the first steps toward earning industry-recognized certificates or undergraduate degrees at local colleges and universities. Please visit www.excelcenter.org for more information.