Ivy Tech President Thomas Snyder says the college aims to make education affordable for those who may not have the means to attend college.
Jesus Nino is one of 42 low-income and/or first-generation college students enrolled in the inaugural class of Ivy Tech’s accelerated degree program.
But he scored high enough on his course placement exam to bypass summer remedial courses and gain acceptance into a new program that puts him on a fast track to an associate degree.
Nino, along with 42 other low-income and/or first-generation college students, is a part of the inaugural class to enroll in Ivy Tech Community College’s accelerated associate degree program. Each student will receive free tuition, textbooks, a laptop and a $100 weekly stipend to help cover transportation and food costs.
Ivy Tech may be the first community college in the nation to launch an ambitious plan for students to receive an associate degree in one year. Indiana’s only statewide community college will begin the program Aug. 23 at its campuses in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.
To get through the curriculum in one year, students must treat their studies like a full-time job. In fact, they are on campus from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. five days a week and are advised to avoid the distraction of part-time employment. Nino worked three part-time jobs in high school to support himself and his family.
“(Ivy Tech officials) told us we can’t work so we can concentrate on our studies. If that’s something I have to do to get a degree, then I’ll do it,” says Nino, 19, who will be with 12 other students studying health care support at the Fort Wayne campus. “If it wasn’t for all the help Ivy Tech is providing for me, I don’t know if I would have been going to college.”
