TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – On Friday, April 19, the Vigo County Education Foundation (VCEF) hosted its semi-annual Business and Bagels event. Sponsored by Ivy Tech Community College, the event welcomed school officials, community leaders, and the VCEF’s board members for a continental breakfast to celebrate the success of the organization’s impact.
The event kicked off with the VCEF awarding Joink, a local technology solutions provider, with the Leadership Giving Award. This award recognizes the contributions made by significant, longtime supporters who believe in the value of a quality public education, and have furthered the mission of the VCEF, which is to provide enriching educational opportunities to all VCSC students.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support that Joink has provided for nearly 15 years. They have been instrumental in helping to bridge the gap in funding to provide additional hands-on, experiential learning opportunities to Vigo County students,” stated Jane Nichols, executive director of the Vigo County Education Foundation.
During the event, Ivy Tech and VCEF unveiled its first funded project, a STEM summer camp, building on the Vigo County School Corporation’s New and Emerging Automation Technology (NEAT) Experience. Open to Vigo County middle schoolers, the camp introduces students to careers in automotive, electronics, robotics, computer numerical controlled (CNC) technology, and welding.
The project is made possible thanks to the collaborative funding initiative created jointly by the VCEF and Ivy Tech Community College in 2022. Both the VCEF and Ivy Tech can accept donations to support projects focused on ensuring Vigo County students are prepared for and exposed to post-secondary education opportunities. In March, both organizations pooled their received contributions, and a committee reviewed and evaluated project requests, ultimately selecting the STEM summer camp experience for Vigo County middle school students.
"Today’s announcement demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving positive change within our community," said Vigo County School Corporation superintendent, Dr. Chris Himsel. "We are grateful for the investment to provide a summer camp experience that will enhance the development of our students. By expanding upon the NEAT experience and supplementing it with additional immersive STEM learning opportunities, we are equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world."
Ivy Tech Community College, a leader in technology and advanced manufacturing career preparation, will host the summer camp on its Terre Haute campus. The program aims to provide students with an opportunity to experience a college setting and to spark their curiosity about their futures.
"At Ivy Tech, we are committed to providing accessible and affordable education and training opportunities for students seeking to enhance their skills and pursue their career goals," said Dr. Lea Anne Crooks, Ivy Tech Terre Haute’s chancellor. "We are proud to partner with the Vigo County Education Foundation and the Vigo County School Corporation in expanding access to STEM education and inspiring the next generation of West Central Indiana’s workforce.”
Planning will begin this summer, and the camp will be offered in summer of 2025. Attendees can anticipate an enriching experience, with classes led by the esteemed faculty and staff of Ivy Tech. To learn more or to support this initiative, contact VCEF’s executive director, Jane Nichols at jtn@vigoschools.org or the Ivy Tech Foundation’s interim executive director of development, Alia Shuck at ashuck14@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 the Vigo County Education Foundation
The Vigo County Education Foundation (VCEF) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization committed to excellent public education for the children of Vigo County. The VCEF generates new sources of revenue to fund teacher-initiated educational projects that could not be funded by local, state or federal money.
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.
