By Lesley DeVoss—
MUNCIE, IN – Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County Campus’s Dual Credit program enables high school students to graduate with an associate’s degree.
For New Castle High School (NCHS) 2022 graduate Ellen Bergum taking advantage of dual credit course opportunities at her high school as well as participation in the Health Sciences program at the local Career Center allowed her to graduate with certifications in Certified Nursing Aid (CNA), Dementia Care and Pre-Nursing studies as well as the 30 credits of general education coursework needed to finish the Indiana College Core Technical Certificate with Ivy Tech. Bergum began taking advantage of dual credit class offerings at her high school during her sophomore year.
“I had tons of support between my teachers, counselors, and parents throughout my dual credit experience that made it flow so easily and leave such a positive experience for this program,” Bergum said.
The Indiana College Core technical certificate and other certifications that Bergum earned made it possible for 45 credits to be transferred to the University of Louisville (UofL), enabling her to bypass 14 classes on her degree track. Bergum will graduate from UofL in three years with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing as a Registered Nurse (RN). She plans to enter the workforce as an RN before continuing her education to become a nurse practitioner.
As a high school student Bergum was heavily involved in extracurricular activities and clubs during her time at NCHS. She served as Vice President of the Class of 2022, Vice President of Renaissance, Student Government President, Student Government Secretary, Treasurer of New Castle Career Center Health Sciences Club, National Honor Society member and a Technical Honors Society member. Bergum also served on the New Castle volleyball team for four years. The team won the 2019 State Championship during her time with them.
With incoming high school students in mind Bergum said, “I would tell them to always take dual credit classes. There are so many that are offered just at NCHS alone that do not make you leave the school or go to the Ivy Tech Campus. The endless amount of help I have received from Ivy Tech will forever help me in and out of school.”
“Ellen is such a good example of how planning and hard work can jump start life for a student beyond high school. First hand experiences like Ellen is sharing are important for other students to hear, so it encourages them to look ahead while still in high school and not let valuable opportunities pass them by,” Jeannie Hamblin-Fox, Site Director for the New Castle Campus, said.
To learn more about the dual credit program, reach out today at askmuncie@ivytech.edu or visit online at ivytech.edu/Muncie.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.
