Community EdFest Held Thursday, Oct. 25

by Adam Frazier
August 22, 2012

In partnership with the Community Education Coalition, three higher education institutions will open their doors for a fall festival showcasing how their associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs prepare graduates for rewarding careers with top regional employers.

High school students, parents, working adults, career-changers, veterans, and others who are considering their educational and career options are invited to attend Community EdFest, a free public event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 25. Children of all ages are also welcome to attend.

Attendees can enjoy free food, games, music, and T-shirts. They can also enter to win door prizes including an iPad, Kindle Fire, tickets to the Indianapolis Zoo, and more. The event will also feature campus tours and an opportunity to learn more about educational offerings in Columbus.

Grand prizes will include $1,000 scholarships awarded to six winners who enter a “Why I Want to Attend College in Columbus” contest. The scholarships—good toward classes at IUPUC, Ivy Tech, and the Purdue College of Technology—are being funded by the Community Education Coalition. There will be two scholarships awarded for each school.

To be eligible for one of the six scholarships, contestants should enter a 500-word essay or three-minute YouTube video before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 5.

Festival organizers include:

  • Community Education Coalition (CEC)
  • Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC)
  • Ivy Tech Community College
  • Purdue College of Technology Columbus (PCoT)

John Burnett, CEC president, credits Cummins executive Mark Gerstle with the idea for the event, noting the company’s long-standing history of supporting local education initiatives.

“We want the public to know that the higher ed programs offered in Columbus are closely aligned with local and regional career opportunities. When students complete their educations, there are good  job opportunities available for them,” Burnett said.

Visit www.communityedfest.com for complete details, including scholarship contest information and application.