Ivy Tech Community College’s Paraprofessional Teaching Apprenticeship Program receives $100,000 gift

Ivy Tech Community College has received a $100,000 gift from Encompass Credit Union in support of its Paraprofessional Teaching Apprenticeship Program. The gift will go toward scholarships for people who are already working as paraprofessionals or as aides in Howard and Tipton counties who wish to pursue the further education they need to become teachers.

According to an article on Ivy Tech Community College’s website, Dr. Ethan Heicher, who serves as the chancellor of Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “We are grateful to Encompass Credit Union for their generous support. This partnership will enable more dedicated paraprofessionals to gain the skills and credentials they need to transition into full-time teaching roles, ensuring a brighter future for our K-12 students. Ivy Tech Kokomo and Encompass Credit Union are working together to ensure that dedicated paraprofessionals and instructional aides have the resources they need to achieve their dreams of becoming certified educators. This collaboration will strengthen local schools, inspire future generations, and enhance the quality of education in the region.”

The Paraprofessional Teaching Apprenticeship Program aims to reduce the number of open positions in Indiana schools resulting from a shortage of qualified teachers. The two-year program allows individuals already working in schools in the capacity of a paraprofessional or an instructional aide to continue working while they pursue teacher certification. Program participants will work full-time in a classroom during the day, and then will attend classes at Ivy Tech once the K-12 school day ends. They will be pursuing a bachelor degree in Education while already working in a classroom. Once their two years at Ivy Tech have been completed, students can transfer to Western Governors University to earn their bachelor degree online.

While the program has already been making progress toward its goals to educate more teachers to end the shortage, financial struggles may make participating in the program difficult for some individuals who would otherwise want to take advantage of the opportunity. With the $100,00 from Encompass Credit Union, 10 apprentices per year will be able to receive $1,250 scholarships to help with the financial burden of higher education.

Matt Lambert, Encompass Credit Union’s CEO, said, “The contribution is part of Encompass Credit Union’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the communities we serve. By offering financial assistance to local paraprofessionals, Encompass aims to empower them to transition into full-time teaching roles.”

For more information about Ivy Tech Community College, visit the school’s website.