Ivy Tech Partners With Muncie Southside Middle School

Ivy Tech Community College Muncie/Henry County is partnering with Muncie Southside Middle School to create a mentoring program. The program is a collaboration between Ivy Tech’s Enrollment Services and Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging.

“I’ve been dedicated to mentoring in the Muncie community ever since I played basketball with Ball State, back in 1995. My coach was a huge proponent of mentoring younger generations to prepare themselves for their futures,” Wayne Johnson, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services, said.

“I grew up on the Southside and it helped me become who I am today. This partnership is going to help and support these kids in becoming who they’re meant to be,” Duane Clemens Sr., College Connection Coach, said.

The mentoring program begins on Friday, October 28^th and, starting Tuesday, January 17^th, Ivy Tech will begin offering an IVYT 106 course called Career Explorations at Southside Middle School. The course will help the students prepare for their future by helping them explore careers, education, and examine how to be successful. Mentors engage with the students and support them throughout the course.

The partnership began on July 26^th when the Ivy Tech Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging held a call to action for men between the ages of 18 and 86 in the City of Muncie called Male Call. During the program, they held discussions aimed at improving the lives of young black males in the community. Johnson was the facilitator for the program, bringing in presenters such as Greg Barnes of Star Bank in Fort Wayne, Lathay Pegues of John Toms BBQ Sauce, and Alton Jackson, I.T. professional.

“This partnership is dedicated to teaching these kids career exploration, expectation for success, and strategies for success. After they complete the course, they’ll always have someone they can reach out to and discuss their future with, no matter what is going on in their lives,” Johnson said.