Learning continues past retirement for senior scholars at Ivy Tech Community College. Indiana residents age 60 and older can attend classes tuition-free toward an associate degree or simply for the joy of education.
From business and marketing to basic welding and electrical classes, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services Tashawnda Brown-Weston has helped seniors achieve their learning goals across many disciplines.
“It just depends on that individual,” Brown-Weston says. “Maybe it’s something that they’ve already done or something that they want to learn new.”
Students must possess a high school diploma or GED and be retired from their primary vocation to qualify for the Senior Scholars program.
Brown-Weston champions the program for its flexibility.
“One of the good things about the way our classes run—it’s only an eight-week course instead of the 16-week course. That gives them the ability to take a course and take a break if they need to,” Brown-Weston says. “That is how my mother ended up getting into the program. She’ll actually earn her certificate in elderly care. Her last class ends this summer.”
Senior scholars even have the option to participate in graduation ceremonies to celebrate their academic achievements with friends and family.
For Brown-Weston’s mother, Naomi Garner, the Senior Scholars program offered an opportunity to acquire textbook knowledge in a skill set she was already using in her daily life.
“She is taking a human services pathway on elderly care. That has been a great thing,” Brown-Weston says.
Senior scholars can take advantage of the college’s resources, including the Indianapolis Library, academic advising, tutoring and course placement assessment.
Brown-Weston encourages senior students to overcome the barrier of learning new technologies.
“A lot of our seniors don’t do well with technology, and technology is everywhere,” Brown-Weston says. “So, we have an office technology program. They can take those classes. They can learn how to do Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel. Just how to get on a computer and navigate with confidence.”
Students of the Office Administration and Technology program gain the tools to navigate the modern world of digital systems and software.
The Senior Scholars program is embedded in the fabric of Ivy Tech Community College, going strong for more than 20 years.
“Senior citizens still play a very big part in our community. Making sure that they are tech-savvy and keeping their minds fresh is going to help more than just us as Ivy Tech,” Brown-Weston says. “It helps the senior. It helps their family members. They say knowledge is power. So, the more knowledge they have, I believe that it will keep them in a better place.”
Brown-Weston advises senior scholars starting their academic journey this fall term to utilize services like free tutoring for writing papers and brushing up on math, English, and basic computer skills.
“Just be ready to learn. We welcome with open arms like we do all of our students here,” Brown-Weston says. “We take pride in making sure that our students are successful.”
The Senior Scholars program covers tuition for credit courses only, and students are required to purchase their own textbooks.
The fall semester begins Aug. 25. Interested seniors should submit an application to Ivy Tech Community College, submit test scores or prior transcripts for course placement evaluation, and meet with an enrollment specialist or academic advisor. The enrollment center aids folks in completing the new student checklist before their first term.
Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo is located at 1815 E. Morgan St. in Kokomo. Prospective students can call the Kokomo Enrollment Center at 765-459-0561 or visit ivytech.edu for more information.
