Noblesville one of top contributors . . .
The Indianapolis Auto Trade Association (IATA) has gifted Ivy Tech Community College Foundation with $1 million toward the buildout of a new automotive technology training center and scholarships for automotive technology students. With this gift, the College has reached its goal of raising $22 million for the “Closing the Achievement Gap” campaign.
Of the $1 million gift, $50,000 will create an endowed scholarship for students in Ivy Tech’s Automotive Technology program. The remaining dollars will go toward the creation of the College’s new automotive technology training center in Indianapolis.
“The Indianapolis Auto Trade Association is pleased to partner with the Ivy Tech Community College Automotive Technology Training Program facility. This facility will create an outstanding learning environment for the next generation of automotive service technicians,” said Tom Miller, Indianapolis Auto Trade Association president. “Not only will this benefit Indianapolis area automotive dealerships, it will give hundreds of young people a competitive advantage in the workforce by utilizing professional training and state of the art technologies.”
According to EMSI data from June 2017, there are 494 annual job openings for automotive specialty technicians in Indiana. In order to meet the demands of today and the needs of the future, Ivy Tech Indianapolis will enhance and expand its current automotive facilities to create a more suitable learning environment for the next generation of automotive professionals. The automotive industry has long been the engine of central Indiana’s growth. Ivy Tech is committed to continuing to adapt to employers’ more sophisticated needs.
Through the partnership with IATA, Ivy Tech will have a presence at the annual Indianapolis Auto Show, showcasing its automotive technology program. This year’s event is Dec. 26, 2017 to Jan. 1, 2018 at the Indiana Convention Center.
A prior $5 million gift from J. Michael Jarvis will also allow for the buildout and naming of the Mike & Sandy Jarvis Automotive Technology Training Center. A land donation valued at over $1 million from Sid Eskenazi will house the new center.
Planning for the $22 million “Closing the Achievement Gap” campaign began in spring 2014. The campaign addresses two primary areas: workforce development and student success. This required a multifaceted approach that addresses the need for increased student support, innovative degree delivery options, and a focus on the areas of study best aligned with the region’s workforce needs. The three largest lead gifts to the campaign include the $5 million gift from Jarvis, which is the largest individual gift in Ivy Tech’s history, a $3.5 million gift from the estate of Wayne K. Jennings and a $3 million gift from the City of Noblesville.
“We are excited to reach this goal of $22 million, all of which directly benefits central Indiana,” said Dr. Kathleen Lee, chancellor of Ivy Tech Indianapolis. “Through the generosity of our donors and partners, Ivy Tech is making a significant impact not only on student success, but on our state’s workforce needs now and in the coming years.”
The campaign was co-chaired by Al Smith, chairman of Indiana for JPMorgan Chase, and Yvonne Perkins, former vice president of community relations for Citizens Energy Group, who has since passed.
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.