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College students struggle for more reasons than just academic challenges.
“There’s a lot of external factors that come into play when it comes to students not completing their studies,” said Louie Gonzalez, chancellor of Ivy Tech Lake County. “Many times, people think it’s all internal and it’s not.”
Ivy Tech officials and supporters celebrated the news April 12 of a $1.2 million federal grant giving students a whole menu of wraparound services to aid them in gaining their degree.
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, secured the federal appropriation recently along with nine other Community Project requests totaling about $45 million.
“What we delivered today was hope, support and a public-private partnership to help students reach that vision,” Mrvan said.
Ivy Tech’s welding program is also receiving funding to expand instruction and improve equipment.
“To the Finish Line” brings together Ivy Tech Lake Country, the North Township trustee’s office, Urban League of Northwest Indiana, the Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana and Goodwill Industries.
Gonzalez said the alliance will bridge the gap, providing a safety net of services for students to finish school and prepare for life after graduation.
Urban League president and CEO Vanessa McCloud-Allen said she was one of those struggling students as she returned to college as a single mom with two young children.
“I took the scenic route,” she joked.
“This is a monumental opportunity, we’re here to support the students,” she said.
Ivy Tech student body president Leanna Steverson, of Gary, said the program will provide students with more confidence.
“I’m so excited because I was not going down a very productive path,” she said of her own struggles.
Steverson said she expects to graduate in May now with a psychology degree.
The program, expected to launch in the fall, will include:
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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