Opinion

Ivy Tech Greencastle ASAP is here for you

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Hello, Putnam County. Jake Widner here from Ivy Tech Greencastle’s ASAP (Accelerated Associate Degree) program just checking in to say that our thoughts and well-wishes are with all Putnam County high schoolers — recent graduates, their families and friends.

It is clear that these times are unprecedented, and it amazes me every day to see the resilience of our high schoolers and the current Ivy Tech ASAP cohort. What a great testament to our county to see all the positive progress being made by our students, and Ivy Tech ASAP is here to support you now and in the future.

Jake Widner

ASAP is a program designed to help students earn their associate degree in just 11 months and prepares them to transfer to a four-year college to earn their bachelor’s degree or be better equipped to enter the workforce.

ASAP began in Greencastle in 2016 and has seen more than 40 students succeed in earning their degrees in that time frame. Coursework is spread over five eight-week terms and classes are held in small, closely-knit groups known as “cohorts.” Students also have a dedicated ASAP mentor to help map a clear pathway to success.

This year, the community has come together during the COVID-19 pandemic to support our graduating high school seniors in a unique way by providing a scholarship opportunity for those who qualify: The Putnam Promise COVID-19 Relief Scholarship.

This scholarship is focused on making college an affordable experience, with assistance all along the way to ensure a student’s success. With college costs rising across the country and many colleges having uncertain plans for the fall, we recognize that family’s needs are changing, and we are here for them.

As some families are exploring a “Gap Year,” we are transforming that into a “Visiting Year.”

During this “Visiting Year,” students can take advantage of the Putnam Promise to complete that associate degree in just 11 months. This will help students be ahead of the game next fall when they enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university.

Of course, the best part of this scholarship is that we are able to help families reduce their overall college expenses.

I am excited to continue building the fifth cohort and already have 15 students who have claimed their spot — at least two from every county school.

If you know exactly what four-year school you’d like to attend, ASAP can help you transfer as a sophomore or junior in many different program areas, including business, psychology, criminal justice or education. If you are undecided about your college plans, ASAP is a great place to get started. Our general studies curriculum helps students pinpoint areas they are most interested in and helps them get placed in a four-year major program or a more distinct career pathway.

For those looking to earn a bachelor’s degree, a few of Ivy Tech’s several four-year partners include Indiana State University, Indiana University, IUPUI, Ball State and Purdue. In fact, every student that has successfully completed ASAP at Ivy Tech Greencastle has been accepted to their transfer school of choice.

I look forward to hearing from more high schoolers in the coming weeks. Despite these challenging times “the show must go on,” and we need to be looking at the bright futures we have ahead of us.

For more information about ASAP, reach out to me at jwidner2@ivytech.edu or call or text 765-276-3410.

Apply to ASAP now by visiting IvyTech.edu/ASAP and selecting Greencastle as your campus. You can also learn about the Putnam Promise COVID-19 Relief Scholarship at IvyTech.edu/PutnamPromise.