Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP) students at the Lawrenceburg campus of Ivy Tech Community College are quickly wrapping up their 3rd 8-week semester of college classes. Credit-wise, the ASAP students, who started in June, are now officially sophomores!

As of December 16th, they will have completed the STGEC (Statewide Transfer General Education Core), which is a certificate signifying the completion of 30 credit hours equaling freshman year.

ASAP students at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Fall 1st 8-Week Celebration

ASAP students volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army's Annual Red Kettle Campaign at the Lawrenceburg Kroger. All money raised stays local to help care for those in need; the Red Kettle Campaign is the only fundraiser the Salvation Army has each year. The students enjoyed hot chocolate, warm apple cider, Christmas music, the sound of the bells, and meeting many generous givers!

ASAP students visited Mt. St. Joseph University to take a tour, speak with current MSJ students, listen to an admissions presentation, and visit Lawrenceburg ASAP Cohort #1 alumna Cheyenne Burress. Burress, who graduated from ASAP in 2016, transferred to Mt. St. Joseph to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. At 19, Cheyenne is a junior credit-wise, thanks to her start in ASAP. She is currently in a 4+1 MBA program at the Mount. She will graduate with her bachelor's and master's degree at 21. Way to go, Cheyenne!

Current ASAP students with Lawrenceburg ASAP alumna, Cheyenne Burress

ASAP students spent time volunteering with the Dearborn County Humane Society prior to their fall rummage sale and open house. Students loaded donated rummage sale items into a semi trailer for transportation to the Dearborn County Fairgrounds, swept and removed cobwebs from the outside of the building, cleaned inside the lobby area, and spent time caring for sick cats and kittens.

ASAP students after a hard morning's work at the Dearborn County Humane Society (PAWS)

Lawrenceburg and Columbus ASAP students were given the opportunity to participate in a White Belt Certification workshop at the Batesville campus of Ivy Tech. The workshop focused on continuous improvement, quality assurance, problem solving, understanding customer relations, project team work, and eliminating waste. At the end of this workshop, students were given the opportunity to take a final exam and earn the White Belt Certification to add to their resumes. This credential will help students seeking a career in a business, healthcare, or manufacturing setting.

Lawrenceburg and Columbus ASAP students during the White Belt Certification Class

Students in ASAP visited Northern Kentucky University to speak with current students, take a tour of campus, learn more about degree offerings, hear details about the transfer process, and experience campus life.

ASAP students with their NKU tour guide

ASAPers spent the day at Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati and volunteered to either clean common areas and toy rooms or package hot cocoa gift bags to be distributed to volunteers at Christmas time. Prior to cleaning or packaging, students were given the opportunity to learn more about Ronald McDonald House, its mission, and the families it serves. Students took a tour of the facility as well.

Above: ASAP students at the entrance to Ronald McDonald House with Volunteer Coordinator, Mike

Below: Andrea, Jordan, Nicole, and Tori with Ronald McDonald himself

The first cohort of Lawrenceburg ASAP students began in June of 2015 and graduated in May of 2016. Here's where they are now:

-Kelsi Amer (Switzerland County High School) is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with Indiana University East through the IUE-Ivy Tech Pathways Program in Lawrenceburg. She is working part-time and hoping to earn a master's degree in Library Science.

-Cheyenne Burress (South Dearborn High School) is earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Mt. St. Joseph University. She is doing a 4+1 MBA program, which will result in earning her MBA and bachelor's degree within the next two years. She was recently encouraged to apply to be a student ambassador by MSJ admission staff.

-Isabella Gramaglia (South Ripley High School) is seeking a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with Indiana University East through the IUE-Ivy Tech Pathways program in Lawrenceburg. She was hired as a Student Affairs Assistant at Ivy Tech.

-Elizabeth Langefeld (East Central High School) is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Merchandising at Indiana University Bloomington. She is working part-time and enjoying living on campus.

-Bo Kaiser (Jac-Cen-Del High School) is earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Indiana University East through the IUE-Ivy Tech Pathways program in Lawrenceburg. He is working part-time at the YMCA.

-Leah Kirkpatrick (South Dearborn High School) is attending the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science.

-Delaney Murphy (South Dearborn High School) is pursuing admission to the nursing program at Ivy Tech Community College. After earning her A.S.N., Delaney is planning to begin her B.S.N. with Indiana University East.

-Emma Powell (Homeschool) is working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Mt. St. Joseph University.

-Gabrielle Sparkman (South Dearborn High School) is currently working as a baker in the Walmart Bakery and loving every minute of it! Her day begins very early, but she enjoys finishing work in the early afternoon.

Cohort 1 at the ASAP Graduation Dinner, Lawrenceburg Riverfront Campus, May 2016

Nominate him or her today at www.ivytech.edu/asap!