By Lesley Devoss—
MUNCIE, Ind. – When students plan ahead, they get ahead. At Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County, the Plan Ahead Get Ahead initiative is being utilized to support students and help them move forward through their academic journey. Students who were registered for fall 2021 and registered for the spring semester by October 19, 2021 were entered to free a class for the spring term. For the Muncie-Henry County Campus, this student was Chelsey Porter.
Porter is a nursing student with the Muncie-Henry County Campus. She is a mother of two and intends to complete her Ivy Tech education with no student loans. When meeting with her advisor, Porter was able to create her academic plan for the entirety of her time at Ivy Tech. This action also ensured her entry into the drawing for the free class – which she won for the Muncie-Henry County Campus.
Through Ivy Tech’s stackable credentials, Porter will be able to use the free class to obtain her CNA certification along her path to her Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Currently, Porter is attending class online but looks forward to attending classes in person as well as completing her clinicals.
“It makes life a lot easier when you do the Plan Ahead. That way, each semester, you don’t have to sit down and try to figure out what to do,” Porter said.
Porter has returned to Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County after a six-year hiatus. Upon returning, she decided to move away from the Human Services program she was originally in and go into the Nursing program. Porter’s long-term goal is to work in labor and delivery.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out when you need help,” Porter said. “I’ve struggled with asking for help but have learned how important it is to ask [for help] when you need it.”
“The Plan Ahead Get Ahead program pushed students like Chelsey to think about their future at Ivy Tech and be more involved in choosing their paths.” Dr. Amy Ward, Vice Chancellor of Student Success said. “Every student can get ahead when they plan ahead.”
To learn more about Ivy Tech and stackable credentials, visit ivytech.edu.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College serves communities across Indiana, providing world-class education and driving economic transformation. It is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering high-value degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its communities, along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
