The Jessica Brown Memorial Scholarship is distributed each year in honor of our dear EmployIndy colleague who passed on April 18, 2018, to a student who exemplifies Jessica’s selfless personality and passion for volunteer work. This year, the second annual Jessica Brown Memorial Scholarship was given to Chloe Thaman, graduating senior from Decatur Central High School.
“I was so surprised when they called my name,” she said. “I thought my interview wouldn’t go well because I was so nervous beforehand, but I just talked about the things I love to do and how I’m passionate about helping those around me.”
Chloe Thaman (left) poses with her award, alongside EmployIndy’s associate director of school engagement, Beth Bowling
As part of the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program, Chloe held the position of Civic Awareness and Community Service Chair. She is passionate about making sure others feel included and encourages them to get involved in different volunteer opportunities – just like Jessica. “She is just one of those people who is always trying to find a way to make everyone’s day better,” said Julie Flint, Chloe’s JAG Specialist for the past two years.
Chloe connected the Decatur Central JAG Program with Worthington Place, a local senior living community, to host game nights and engage the residents. In addition, she regularly volunteered at Gleaners Food Bank and Operation Shoebox where she prepared gift boxes for families in need.
Alongside her hours of community service, Chloe worked at Meals on Wheels where she has been described as a model employee and valuable team member. But she decided to take her role one step further, connecting Meals on Wheels to JAG by assisting in the scheduling of them to come and speak to her JAG class.
Chloe is planning to go to Ivy Tech Community College this fall where she will complete her general studies courses prior to transferring to a four-year university to study social work and music. Her dream is to perform on Broadway, and she wants to connect her love of music and acting with social work as a way to help people.
Mayor Joe Hogsett, EmployIndy encourage parents of 7th and 8th grade students to file before June 30 deadline
June 24, 2019 – The deadline for 21st Century Scholars is only six days away and there are still many eligible 8th grade students that can sign up for a full tuition scholarship to Indiana colleges. One of the main reasons is that many are still unaware of the opportunity for their 7th or 8th grader to receive free college tuition.
“As a community, we leave a significant amount of money on the table every year – money that could provide an education and a path to a promising future,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “That is why it is so important for Marion County residents to apply for 21st Century Scholars before the June 30th deadline, to make sure all available resources make it into the hands of our students and families who need it most.”
Led by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the 21st Century Scholars program provides income-eligible Hoosier students up to four years of college tuition at any participating college or university in Indiana. A crucial part of the process is that the application must be completed by June 30th of a student’s 8th grade year, which can sneak up on families currently focused on the transition to high school. In recent years, only about half of eligible Marion County students have enrolled.
Indy Achieves, an initiative launched by Mayor Joe Hogsett and housed at EmployIndy, is pursuing many avenues to make it easy for individuals to apply and boost enrollment rates, such as:
- Implementing a mobile application process;
- Working with families one-on-one to file and submit their applications;
- Attending school functions to inform individuals about 21st Century Scholars; and
- Partnering with community organizations to spread the word
In about five minutes, parents are able to file an application for their student to go to an Indiana college tuition free, removing a financial burden that can takes years post-graduation to pay back.
The application is a one-sheet, front and back document that makes a difference in a child’s life forever and time is running out for all Indiana 8th graders to submit their information. Once the deadline passes, rising high school freshman who have not applied will no longer have the opportunity to receive free college tuition through the 21st Century Scholars program.
Learn more and access the application at indyachieves.org/21cs
