Circle of Ivy awards more than $18,000 to support students at Ivy Tech Hamilton County

Women’s Philanthropy Circle supporting Ivy Tech Foundation works to diminish barriers to higher education for Hoosier students

Circle of Ivy, the women’s philanthropy circle of the Ivy Tech Foundation, has raised more than $18,000 to support programs at Ivy Tech Hamilton County, the organization announced last Friday, Nov. 15.

Ivy Tech Hamilton County is one of 19 campuses to receive funding from Circle of Ivy and will support four projects, including kiosks to support student success, simulation manikins for CNA training, translation devices for non-English-speaking students, and NCLEX prep and fees to ensure nursing students’ success.

Since its inception, Circle of Ivy has raised more than $1.4 million statewide and across Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses and has grown to more than 1,000 members over nine years – and has raised more than $1.4 million to help students studying numerous disciplines.

“It’s fabulous to see the individual students who benefit from Circle of Ivy,” said Terry Cortese, Circle of Ivy member at the Hamilton County campus. “I love that we get together as a statewide organization to celebrate the achievements of the students we impact.”

“The funding from Circle of Ivy will have a meaningful, long-lasting impact on our students and our community,” Ivy Tech Hamilton County Chancellor Dr. Rachel Kartz said. “Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and the generosity of Circle of Ivy will allow more of them to excel and adequately prepare for their careers. These opportunities make Indiana and our community stronger.”

Founded in 2015, Circle of Ivy focuses on the needs of students attending Ivy Tech Community College, the largest singly accredited community college in the U.S. Circle of Ivy builds opportunities and diminishes barriers to higher education by raising funds to help with emergency needs as well as sending students abroad for educational opportunities, providing instructional support with classroom technology and textbooks, and other critical programs.

“The commitment of the women who make up Circle of Ivy should be inspiring to everyone associated with Ivy Tech,” Ivy Tech Foundation President Courtney Roberts said. “I am personally proud to be part of an organization doing so much good for our students – the future leaders of our communities. Ivy Tech is integral to Indiana’s success story, and the commitment and generosity of women who belong to Circle of Ivy help make it happen.”

Each campus voted on submitted proposals. To find a list of the projects being funded, visit ivytech.edu/circleofivy.