GREENCASTLE, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College Terre Haute will provide new educational opportunities for Putnam County residents impacted by substance use disorder through the newly established Putnam County Recovery Scholarship funded by the Putnam County Community Foundation.
The scholarship will provide six $1,000 awards for the Fall 2026 semester to students pursuing a credential through Ivy Tech's Terre Haute campus or Greencastle site. Eligible applicants must reside in Putnam County and either be actively in recovery from substance use disorder for at least six months or have an immediate family member who has struggled with substance use disorder. Preference will be given to applicants who are actively in recovery.
"We know education can be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional transformation," said Alia Shuck, Vice Chancellor of Development and Marketing for Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle. "This scholarship helps remove financial barriers while supporting individuals and families who have been impacted by substance use disorder as they pursue their educational and career goals."
Open to current or new Ivy Tech students from Putnam County, recipients must enroll in both eight-week terms during the Fall 2026 semester and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. Additionally, recipients will have access to free in-person or telehealth sessions with a behavioral health counselor and will be invited to participate in monthly activities at the Terre Haute campus with other students in recovery.
"Addressing mental health and substance use is a complex challenge that no single entity can solve alone,” said Neysa Meyer, Executive Director of the Putnam County Community Foundation. “By collaborating with Ivy Tech and other local partners, we are creating a network of support that empowers individuals and families to achieve better health and educational outcomes. This scholarship program is a vital step forward in addressing our community’s most pressing concerns."
Applications are open now through June 30, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified in July and awards will be applied beginning in Fall 2026. The fall semester begins on August 24. For more information or to apply, visit bit.ly/putnamrecovery.
About Putnam County Community Foundation
The Putnam County Community Foundation works alongside individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to build a stronger Putnam County. PCCF is home to more than 380 charitable funds and has awarded more than $29 million in grants and scholarships since its founding in 1985. To learn more about PCCF, visit www.pcfoundation.org or call (765) 653-4978.
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.
