For several years, Northcrest Elementary students have been receiving after-school tutoring from Ivy Tech Community College–Northeast faculty, staff, and students through the Study Connection program. A number of Ivy Tech faculty and staff members were assigned to Northcrest as part of the Real Men Read initiative. The college’s education students regularly utilize Northcrest classrooms for supervised observational experiences, service learning, and field experiences. Last November, more than 15 faculty members visited third grade classrooms to introduce students to various career opportunities through hands-on demonstrations. Ivy Tech continues to broaden its alliance with Northcrest’s faculty and students.

The next step in the partnership is a visit by Northcrest fifth graders to the college on Friday, March 25 from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at both the Coliseum and North campuses of the college. Students will have the opportunity to select various learning labs and career-oriented demonstrations by faculty and students from the Schools of Business, Health Sciences, Technology, Public & Social Services, and Liberal Arts & Sciences. Specific presentations include Hands on Health, Lovin’ from the Oven, My Business Cards, Automotive Electronics, Advanced Manufacturing, Computer Aided Design, and Chemistry at the Crime Scene. 

Students will use skills they have already learned in their elementary grades to see the value of their studies.

“The primary purpose of the visit is to raise student awareness of career options,” said Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Russell D. Baker, Ed.D. “Through seeing first-hand some of the exciting career choices that are available to them, the Northcrest and Ivy Tech faculty believe that students will be motivated to persist through their middle school and high school years.”

Ivy Tech and Northcrest plan to make the third grade and fifth grade career awareness visits an annual event, with possible expansion to other grade levels in the future. Expected attendance at the upcoming visit is 75 faculty members and students.

“Many people think of planning for college as something that high school students do, but we know preparing for post-secondary education begins in elementary school,” said Dawn Starks, principal of Northcrest Elementary School. “From the beginning, students need to know their education does not end at high school graduation. Whether they go to a two-year or four-year college or into an on-the-job training program, they will continue their education. Working with Ivy Tech gives our students a chance to see what that means in real life.”

Schedule of Events for Friday, March 25
Coliseum Campus, 3800 N. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Technology Center on the North Campus, 4900 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835

                9:15 a.m.               Arrival and movement to first presentation

10 a.m.                   Students will enjoy refreshments in the Student Commons area of their building

10:15 a.m.             Movement to second presentation

11 a.m.                   Gather for dismissal

11:15 a.m.             Arrival back at Northcrest

For more information, contact Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Russell D. Baker at 260-480-4230 or rbaker80@ivytech.edu.