Ivy Tech Indianapolis in Partnership with Ben Davis High School receives $1.4M Upward Bound Grant from the United States Department of Education

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The United States Department of Education (DOE) has selected Ivy Tech Community College - Indianapolis to receive a federal grant in partnership with Ben Davis High School (BDHS) as part of an effort to provide low-income, first-generation potential college students with quality instruction and academic support to ensure their successful graduation from institutions of postsecondary education.

Ivy Tech Indianapolis will receive $287,537 annually for Upward Bound, one of eight federal TRIO programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO programs owe their existence to the federal Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 (the War on Poverty Program) and the Higher Education Act of 1965.

“With the generous support of the U.S. Department of Education, our partnership with Ben Davis will allow us to begin assisting students as soon as the spring of 2023. This unique opportunity allows us to prioritize high school students who have traditionally struggled in academic settings, including people from low-income families who will be First Generation college graduates. We’re committed to ensuring all young people in our community can pursue their educational goals and secure an in-demand, high-wage career,” said Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters, chancellor, of Ivy Tech Indianapolis.

One of the program's main goals is to strengthen the academic skills of high school students and expose them to new social and cultural learning experiences. The program provides academic skill instruction in math, science, and language arts, as well as tutoring and academic counseling for all participants. Ivy Tech and BDHS partner with several community organizations serving disadvantaged students. These include organizations providing wraparound support for mental health, transportation, clothing, food, financial assistance, and providing work-and-learn experiences, as well as college and career readiness.

“Ben Davis is thrilled to join Ivy Tech and Upward Bound to serve our scholars! We believe in surrounding our Giants with every resource available to ensure their success through high school and post-secondary education. This program aligns with our vision of supporting the whole child. We are committed to the success of this program at Ben Davis High School,” said Mrs. Sandi Squire, principal, of Ben Davis High School.

About Ben Davis High School

Located on the west side of Indianapolis, Indiana, Ben Davis High School is a large urban school serving students in grades 10, 11, and 12 within the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. For more information regarding the MSD of Wayne Township and Ben Davis High School visit www.wayne.k12.in.us. Follow Wayne Township on Facebook or Twitter for the most up-to-date information. #WeAreWayne

The mission of Ben Davis High School, a partnership of students, staff, families, and community, is to ensure that all students acquire and apply knowledge, skills, processes, and values to become life-long learners and productive citizens in a diverse society through an innovative educational program of outstanding quality. Students at Ben Davis High School engage in multiple opportunities to positively impact their college, career, and life readiness. The curriculum at Ben Davis High School includes over 300 semester-based courses which afford an excellent opportunity for students to select subjects and engage in programs that support their preparation for post-secondary opportunities and training during and after high school through dual-credit, advanced placement, and career certification courses.

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 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 and out of state for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Ivy Tech Indianapolis is the College’s largest service area, serving more than 28,000 students each year in Marion, Boone, and Hendricks counties. For more information about this location, visit www.IvyTech.edu/Indianapolis. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information. #IvyIndyProud

For further information, contact Julie Scholl at jscholl11@ivytech.edu.