FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS — A scholarship program with a proven record of high graduation rates among Ivy Tech Community College students is now being offered to eligible Ivy Tech graduates who pursue their bachelor’s degree at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
The IUPUI Bowen Scholars Program is being established to assist African American students who are transitioning to IUPUI in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree after earning an associate degree at Ivy Tech.
Bob and Terry Bowen of the Bowen Family Foundation are funding the new IUPUI scholars program as part of a broader expression of the program model originated at Ivy Tech. University College at IUPUI will administer the new scholarship program and recently selected four students as the first cohort of IUPUI Bowen Scholars.
“My colleagues and I are so grateful for the generosity that Bob and Terry Bowen have demonstrated through (their) gift,” said Kathy E. Johnson, dean of University College. “They have a deep commitment to the transformative potential of education and understand that by giving these scholars an opportunity, they impact individuals’ lives as well as their family members and the surrounding community.”
The Bowen Scholars program at Ivy Tech has fostered incredible success in its students’ academic and life achievements, having provided more than 600 students with various scholarships since 1993.
The Ivy Tech model program strives for high retention and graduation rates through a hands-on approach with students. The graduation rate among Bowen Scholars at Ivy Tech is about 67 percent, compared to 12 to 17 percent among the general Ivy Tech student population.
“The Bowen Family Foundation is excited to expand its scholarship program to IUPUI,” Terry Bowen said. “Not only do our scholars receive much-needed financial help, but they are also part of a wrap-around support system, which has proved very effective. We have seen a significant increase in graduation rates because of this focused support.”
Candidates for the IUPUI Bowen Scholars Program will typically reside in Marion County and will be expected to graduate from IUPUI within three years. Students must meet the minimum 2.0 GPA standard and be engaged in a community service project each year as part of the scholarship program requirements.
Charlie Johnson, director of Scholar Support Programs at IUPUI, will oversee the program and work directly with the scholars to customize the program to address students’ needs.