Ivy Tech Veterans Program Gives Educational Resources to Those Who’ve Served

With Veterans Day this month, Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County is poised to honor veterans in Delaware and Henry Counties.

Ivy Tech Community College Muncie/Henry County is committed to providing resources to veterans who want to continue their education after serving. Veteran students are involved in a variety of programs ranging from culinary arts to nursing to building construction. These students can utilize several different types of benefits, all accepted by the college to help defray tuition for students’ educational pursuits. Grants such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid are also available to many veterans. Financial aid is also available while veterans receive their benefits, with some providing a stipend for book and housing costs. The following benefits accepted by Ivy Tech include:

Chapter 30 – Montgomery G.I. Bill

Chapter 31 – Veterans Readiness and Employment

Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 G.I. Bill

Chapter 35 – VA benefits for survivors and dependents

Chapter 1606 – Montgomery G.I. Bill Selected Reserve

Children of Disabled Veterans or Purple Heart Recipients (CVO), a state grant

Prospective enrollees can submit a Veterans Enrollment Request Form at myivy.ivytech.edu. If interested in the G.I. Bill, check with the Muncie/Henry County campus to ensure your degree program is covered. Credits for prior learning are also worth checking out. If the enrollee can provide proof of military or company training (or a certification or license that is considered equivalent to a college course), the enrollee may be exempt from that coursework.

There are currently 21 veteran students pending graduation in 2025 from the Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County campus. These students will be honored at commencement with a red, white and blue VA cord in recognition of their status as a veteran of the United States military.

In addition to the veteran students themselves, Ivy Tech employs six faculty members who have served or are currently serving in the United States Military.

Brandon Gonzales, department chair for the Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology program, is one of the active-duty military personnel on campus. On staff at the Muncie campus for five years, Gonzales provides dedicated and knowledgeable instruction and support to his students.

“The school of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science specializes in providing a hands-on education for students, and giving them the skills and specialty certifications that industry partners are seeking,” he said. “Veterans and service members have special skills when it comes to problem solving and critical thinking in high-pressure situations, which can lead to veteran students who may not have a lot of technical skills making a smooth transition into the field of technology. With six of our faculty being fellow veterans, including myself and the dean, we look forward to assisting in your career development and transition.”

Ivy Tech is continually working to improve its support of veterans on campus.

Jessica Gropp, assistant director of financial aid, oversees veterans affairs for the financial aid department and is the mastermind behind veteran student events on campus.

“We are striving to provide a more streamlined and robust support system,” Gropp said. “We are attending local community events to meet with veterans where they are, providing information on the benefits they may be eligible for to pay for their education at Ivy Tech, and how we can provide additional resources to help them reach their educational goals.”

The campus is currently working toward earning the Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana award. This designation recognizes eligible postsecondary institutions that demonstrate a supportive environment for their United States military-affiliated student population, including veterans, active-duty members, and children of those who serve and served in the military – from application to graduation. There are 37 standards in eight categories of criteria the institution must meet. These categories include core requirements, marketing and communication strategies, admissions and enrollment, financial support, institutional support systems, student support services, student engagement, and career and community engagement opportunities. Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County will be working to increase and improve their veterans affairs program to earn this designation and provide military-affiliated students with a more inclusive college experience.

“We are excited for the opportunity to guide, document, and add the required services for the Muncie campus to earn the Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana designation, which takes the term ‘military friendly’ to a new level,” said Jeremy Brown, dean for the schools of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science, Business, and Information Technology. “The Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana will alert Hoosier veterans that this campus values their service and will provide them with the best chance of success.”

On November 11, 2024, the Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County Campus will observe Veterans Day by holding an all-day event to recognize its veteran students. Snacks, drinks and Ivy Tech swag will be available.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Ivy Tech veterans affairs initiatives, visit ivytech.edu/student-services/support-services/va-education-benefits or email askmuncie@ivytech.edu today.

Story originally appeared in Muncie Magazine: https://townepost.com/indiana/muncie/ivy-tech-veterans-program-gives-educational-resources/