TERRE HAUTE | GREENCASTLE, Ind. – On Friday, December 15, representatives from International Paper presented Ivy Tech Terre Haute with a $10,125 grant, which will be used to expand the campus’s Laptop Scholarship program.
The generous contribution from International Paper demonstrates the company’s commitment to promoting education and ensures that Ivy Tech students have the necessary tools for academic success.
“The importance of technology in higher education cannot be overstated. We are thrilled to partner with Ivy Tech Community College to address this need,” said Krista Farthing, International Paper’s mill communications coordinator.
This gift reflects our commitment to empowering the next generation’s workforce by breaking down barriers to education. We believe that every student deserves an equal chance to succeed, and access to technology is a crucial component of that success.
– Krista Farthing
A survey conducted as part of the campus’s Invest IN Ivy Tech campaign revealed that 15% of students reported using their smartphone as a primary device for their coursework. An additional 24% of students reported using a borrowed computer for completing their coursework. In response, the campus has since provided nearly 900 students with laptop scholarships. This grant from International Paper will allow an additional 20 laptops to be secured and awarded to eligible students.
“We are immensely grateful for the generosity of International Paper”, said Rachel Mullinnix, Ivy Tech Terre Haute’s executive director of development and strategic initiatives. “This gift will make a significant impact on our students persisting in their studies and completing their credential. On average, students who received a laptop scholarship have a 7-9% higher retention rate."
Ivy Tech’s Laptop Scholarship program is open to students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their education. The scholarship was established in result of the College’s Invest IN Ivy Tech campaign and will be carried out by the new strategic plan.
Industry and community partners interested in partnering with Ivy Tech to support its mission of fueling West Central Indiana’s economy are encouraged to visit ivytech.edu/terrehauteplan.
Spring semester classes start on January 16 and those interested in earning a high-value credential or degree should visit ivytech.edu/apply to get started. With state and federal aid through Pell grants, the 21st 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, sign up to attend Tuesdays@theTech at link.ivytech.edu/ivytuesdays.
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, long- and 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.
