On Thursday, April 10, Ivy Tech Indianapolis welcomed 345 area high school students to its downtown campus for the SOMOS (We are) Ivy Tech event, hosted in partnership with Pathways to Careers (P2C). Designed to inspire and inform, the event invited students to discover the opportunities of being an Ivy Tech student, connect with faculty, and explore the College’s various academic programs—all while enjoying campus tours, free food, and lively conversations.
The day began with students arriving at the Conference Center and Culinary Institute (CCCI), where they picked up Ivy Tech swag and settled in for a warm welcome from Mara Judd, Ivy Tech’s P2C Project Coordinator. Judd emphasized Ivy Tech’s commitment to accessibility and career-focused education, setting the tone for an engaging agenda. Saray Morales, Ivy Tech Indianapolis Enrollment Services Specialist, followed with an energetic presentation highlighting Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ affordable programs, flexible learning options, and robust student support services.
A standout moment came during the student panel, featuring P2C interns and current Ivy Tech students Brenda De Los Santos, Juan Veras, Heidy Lucas-Anastacio, and Yamilet Aca-Cuachitl. They shared personal stories about balancing coursework, internships, and life responsibilities, offering relatable insights into the Ivy Tech experience.
Students then split into groups to enjoy lunch before exploring the robust resource fair set-up by our faculty and staff in the CCCI’s second-floor ballroom, where they connected with faculty members and learned about programs ranging from healthcare to advanced manufacturing. Pathways to Careers further ensured open access by providing French and Spanish translators, reflecting Ivy Tech’s dedication to serving all Hoosiers.
“This event was about showing students that Ivy Tech is a place where they belong,” Judd said. “A huge thanks to Pathways to Careers for their partnership and to our incredible P2C interns, whose dedication made this day possible. Whether they’re pursuing a certificate, a two-year degree, or planning to transfer, we’re here to help them succeed.”
As buses departed, the excitement lingered—proof that Ivy Tech Indianapolis is not only shaping futures but also opening doors for the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and doers.
To learn more about Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ programs and partnerships, visit www.ivytech.edu/indianapolis.
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.
