iGrad volunteer appreciation lunch set for Feb. 8

The iGrad program will host a volunteer appreciation lunch at Ivy Tech Community College on Feb. 8 at the Columbus Learning Center. The program begins at 11:30 a.m.

School officials say the lunch will bring together iGrad volunteer mentors and tutors to thank the volunteers for their time and compassion. iGrad is also encouraging volunteers to bring a others who might be interested in volunteering with the program.

iGrad was started as an initiative four years ago through a partnership of Bartholomew County School Corp., Flatrock-Hawcreek School Corp., the Community Education Coalition and Ivy Tech. The initiative is supported by Cummins and the Heritage Fund – the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County with the goal of increasing high school graduation rates in Bartholomew County. The program expanded to serve Brownstown Central High School and Jennings County High School in Fall 2016.

Organizers explain that iGrad serves all students in grades 8 through 12 who are dealing with academic barriers. Graduation coaches are available to help these students navigate any barriers they experience as they advance through their academic career. Ivy Tech says that there are currently over 650 students participating in the iGrad program in Bartholomew County.

If you would like to attend the iGrad volunteer lunch, you are asked to RSVP at [email protected] or call (812) 374-5265. For more information on the iGrad program, visit www.igradcolumbus.com.