Bicentennial Legacy Includes Workforce-Centered Scholarship Program
The New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Henry County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently launched the Henry County Education Fund. This Fund is a community-driven initiative established to improve access and completion of post-secondary certificates for Henry County residents.
Building a Brighter Future Through Education
Born from Henry County’s 2022 Bicentennial Celebration, the Henry County Education Fund aims to empower residents by providing scholarships for Ivy Tech Community College certificates, with a preference for programs offered at Ivy Tech Henry County (3325 State Road 3, New Castle).
“Higher education is a critical driver of community prosperity,” said Corey Murphy, EDC President. “The Henry County Education Fund is a long-term investment in our residents, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce.”
Jeannie Hamblin-Fox, Vice Chancellor and Executive Director for Henry County’s Ivy Tech Campus, sees first-hand the impact of continuing education on Henry County’s workforce.
“This scholarship being established is just another way the Henry County Community shows how much value they place on our residents,” expressed Hamblin-Fox. “The partnership Ivy Tech has seen over the years is testament that shows how Henry County values continued education and training.”
Henry County Residents Encouraged To Apply
The Fund aims to award 2-4 “last dollar” scholarships in the first year. The Fund provides financial assistance to offset tuition and mandatory fees associated after gift aid has been credited to
tuition and mandatory fees within Federal and State regulations. “Gift aid” is defined as Pell, Indiana state grant awards and any other scholarships. Federal and state aid are applied to the student’s account first, the Fund’s Scholarship is applied to any remaining balance after all other aid has been exhausted.
“I often talk with students, who may be struggling with financing their education, and say check out this fund at our Community Foundation. They ask about ‘the catch’ and the response is – there is no catch – it’s because this community believes in the power of education and training,” Hamblin-Fox relayed.
Who is Eligible?
- Henry County high school seniors with a minimum GP of 2.0
- Residents of Henry County with a high school diploma (or equivalent)
- Adults employed in Henry County with a high school diploma (or equivalent)
How to Apply:
- Schedule an appointment with Ivy Tech Henry County at 765-599-2613 or contact Jeannie Hamblin-Fox (jhamblin@ivytech.edu).
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
- Apply for the Henry County Education Fund scholarship at henrycountycf.org/scholarships/.
Investing in the Future
The Fund has a long-term vision to award 100+ scholarships by 2032, Henry County’s 210th birthday. Additionally, they aim to expand their offerings to include scholarships for degrees in the future.
The Henry County 200 Planning Committee, with the help of sponsors, provided a $75,000 endowment to ensure the program’s longevity. This allows the Fund to offer scholarships now while growing its capacity to support future students.
The Henry County Community Foundation welcomes donations to the Henry County Education Fund. To contribute, visit henrycountycf.org and designate your gift to the Fund.
Employer Partnerships
The Fund seeks partnerships with local businesses interested in advancing the skills of their workforce.
“The Henry County Education Fund is a testament to the power of community collaboration. By investing in education, we invest in a brighter future for all,” Murphy concluded.
For More Information:
Business / Employer Partnerships:
Corey Murphy, CEcD,
New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation
765-521-7402 / cmurphy@growinhenry.com
Application Questions:
Jeannie Hamblin-Fox,
Ivy Tech Henry County
765-599-2613 / jhamblin@ivytech.edu/
Donating to the Fund:
Henry County Community Foundation
700 South Memorial Drive, P.O. Box 6006,
New Castle, Indiana 47362
765-529-2235 / info@henrycountycf.org / www.henrycountycf.org
Click here for a printable copy of the Henry County Education Fund flyer.