Ivy Tech sets fourth annual Ivy Tech Day April 21

The fourth annual Ivy Tech Day, set for April 21, will be a 24-hour event dedicated to raising funds for student success projects, scholarships and emergency support.

With the help of supporters, local businesses and organizations, alumni, faculty and staff, it’s an opportunity to contribute to the future of Ivy Tech students and campuses and the communities they serve.

The day is also an opportunity to celebrate by sharing stories of the impact of the first three Ivy Tech Days. In the last three years, Ivy Tech Community College supporters from around the state have donated more than $1 million during the 24-hour fundraisers to support students in their academic journey.

In those three years, more than $125,000 has been raised for the Kokomo Service Area, which includes Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Pulaski and Tipton counties, supporting new scholarships, innovative programs, and unique educational opportunities.

“Every dollar we raise on Ivy Tech Day makes a difference in the lives of our students – scholarships that ease financial burdens, emergency aid when the unexpected happens, resources that break down barriers to success,” said Dr. Ethan Heicher, chancellor of the Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area.

“Ivy Tech Day is a big moment each year for everyone associated with our campus,” he added. “Our community is committed to coming together to support our students, celebrate our alumni, and enhance our impact in the area we serve.”

Kelly Karickhoff, vice chancellor for Development and Community Engagement for the Kokomo Service Area, noted that each year, support for Ivy Tech Day has increased – from $25,000 in 2023 to $41,687 in 2024 and $60,600 in 2025.

“We’ve set a goal of $65,000 this year and hope to exceed the 391 gifts we received last year,” Karickhoff said. “And we’ve got dozens of challenges and matches lined up that will make for a fun and exciting day!”

Supporting Ivy Tech Day is easy, Karickhoff added, noting that all gifts stay local and help students who live and work in communities like Kokomo, Logansport, Peru, Rochester, Tipton and Winamac. Donations can be made at ivytech.edu/giveday starting at midnight on April 21. Supporters can watch the Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region Facebook page for giving opportunities throughout the day and visit local community partners participating in support of this very impactful day.

Ivy Tech contributes nearly $4 billion annually to Indiana’s economy, including $122.4 million in communities served by the Kokomo Service Area. More than 80 percent of Ivy Tech graduates stay in Indiana to pursue their careers, and 87 percent carry no student debt when they exit the College. Ivy Tech offers more than 70 programs, which are aligned to Indiana’s economic and workforce needs.

“Indiana communities rely on Ivy Tech to produce a workforce that will support their community workforce needs for decades to come,” said Marty Pollio, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “We are excited to join hands with our friends and supporters to grow what we’ve started.”