As economy evolves, Ivy Tech offers options

As the manufacturing sector in Indiana continues to evolve and some careers have become obsolete, a local two-year university caters to students older than 25 and continues to offer training in several professions.

Jan Bailey, executive dean of Ivy Tech Community College in Logansport, recently reviewed enrollment numbers for campuses in Logansport, Kokomo, Peru and Wabash and discovered that over the past four years enrollment of non-traditional students, those who are 25 years of age or older, has gone up.

"This spring semester, we had 3,729 students in the region. Our non-traditional student population was 2,211 or 59.2 percent of the total," Bailey reported.

In the spring semester of 2003, non-traditional students totaled 1,681 at the four campuses, which at 55.4 percent was still more than half of the overall enrollment. The average credits was more than six for each semester. That is the equivalent to two classes.

Bailey said the oldest student last spring was 80-years-old and there are a total of 49 students taking classes at age 60 or older.

In getting non-traditional students to attend the university, evening and weekend classes are offered.

"Evening and Saturday courses are popular for students who are working and holding a day position," Bailey said. "They are one night per week typically, which is convenient for the non-traditional student regarding time away from home, family, etc. It is also convenient for those students who need childcare."

As for funding, there are programs available through state and federal government, as well as financial aid. Bailey discussed two options for workers who were laid off.

The federal Workforce Investment Act gives money to each state for through statewide and local organizations to promote employment and enhance occupational skills, which is meant to reduce welfare dependency and improve national productivity and competitiveness. The program provides services to adults, laid-off workers and youth.

If a worker loses his or her job because the job is moved to another country, the Trade Act Program allows the worker to go to school for retraining. If the worker is eligible, they will receive funding for tuition and books. They also keep their unemployment dollars. There is a time limit to complete their studies and students must be full-time students.

The provider in this area for these programs is JobWorks located in the WorkOne Office at 2835 E. Market St. The contact is Deb Sheets and she can be reached at (574) 722-6652, Ext. 27.

Outside of options for displaced workers, Bailey said there are scholarships available specifically for non-traditional students.