CRADLES of Clay County Establishes Scholarship at Ivy Tech

CRADLES of Clay County Creates Scholarship at Ivy Tech

 Childcare organization continues legacy of supporting parents in Clay County

TERRE HAUTE, IN— In 2022, when CRADLES of Clay County made the difficult decision to dissolve services, the board of directors knew they wanted to continue to make a lasting impact on young parents.  After eight years of providing high-quality childcare to families in Clay County, the organization leveraged its remaining funds to create an endowed scholarship at Ivy Tech Community College in Terre Haute.

“Although CRADLES functioned as a childcare facility, the focus was always on our young parents. We provided affordable childcare, knowing that quality care for young children was often a stumbling block to parents completing their education and developing financial independence,” said CRADLES Board Member Donna Little. “When we were considering how to continue the CRADLES legacy, we knew a scholarship at Ivy Tech would have the greatest impact on families for years to come.”

The Board of Directors elected to establish the CRADLES Scholarship Endowment at Ivy Tech, which will provide a $2,000 annual scholarship ($1,000 per semester) to Clay County students who are enrolled at Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle. Starting fall 2023, the scholarship will be awarded to one student annually who is enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester, has one or more dependents, and pursuing a credential at Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle.  If students remain in good academic standing, the scholarship is automatically renewed for a second year.

“Throughout our years of operation, we’ve seen the impact improving education has on our parents. Many of our parents completed educational pursuits or maintained/improved employment opportunities by enrolling in higher education programs such as those available at Ivy Tech,” added Evalyn Walton, member of the CRADLES board of directors. “Additionally, parents reported being equipped with more effective parenting skills, which had a positive effect on their child’s social-emotional skills, school readiness, and academic potential. This endowment allows CRADLES of Clay County’s vision to ‘change lives and impact generations’ to have a long-term effect.”

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. With a campus in Terre Haute and a satellite location in Greencastle, plus online course options, Ivy Tech provides a convenient path to earning a certificate, technical certificate, or associate degree that leads to high-demand jobs here in the Wabash Valley.

“We are honored to be entrusted with carrying the legacy of CRADLES of Clay County.  This scholarship will establish an ongoing impact on families in Clay County through an Ivy Tech education,” said Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle Chancellor Lea Anne Crooks, Ph.D. “At Ivy Tech, we are proud of our student-first approach, and the many ways that we provide tools and resources to help students be successful in the classroom and beyond.”

Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle awards more than $300,000 in scholarships annually to students. With state and federal aid through Pell grants, the 21^st Century Scholarship Program, and Indiana’s Frank O’Bannon Grant, some students can earn their credentials at no cost. To learn more about how to apply to Ivy Tech and discover how to pay for college costs, visit us on campus at Tuesdays@theTech. Learn more and register to attend at www.ivytech.edu/tuesday. Students interested in applying for this and other scholarships can do so by visiting ivytech.edu/scholarships.

Those wishing to further the impact of the CRADLES Scholarship Endowment by making a gift can visit www.impact.ivytech.edu/CRADLES or contact Ivy Tech Foundation at terrehautefoundation@ivytech.edu.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the most up-to-date information.

About CRADLES of Clay County

CRADLES of Clay County, Inc. was established in 2014. CRADLES stood for Creating Responsible Adults by Developing Leadership and Education for Self-Sufficiency. The mission of the organization was to provide children with developmentally age-appropriate learning experiences while providing parents with the support they need to further their education and/or continue in the workforce. The organization dissolved in 2022.