Indianapolis, Indiana – Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis took another big step toward strengthening student support this week as Student Life and IvyCares co-hosted the Basic Needs Resource Fair on Wednesday, connecting students directly with essential community resources. The event, held on the Indianapolis campus, brought together 19 local organizations offering information and assistance related to housing, food access, employment, and more.
The fair served as a one-stop opportunity for students to meet representatives from key agencies including the Immigrant Welcome Center, United Way, PACE, Gleaners Food Bank, and EmployIndy, among others. Throughout the day, more than 100 students visited the fair to explore what these organizations provide and learn how to access services that can help them stay focused on their education while managing life’s challenges.
“The goal of this event was to make sure every student knows that help is available,” said a member of the IvyCares team. “We want them to see that there’s no shame in seeking support—these resources exist to make their lives easier and their college experience more successful.”
The fair ran from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and featured hourly raffles that kept the atmosphere lively and engaging. Students who stopped by vendor tables were entered into drawings for prizes throughout the day, with the event concluding in a special grand prize giveaway—an electric bike donated by Ivy Tech’s INDT 260 – Projects in Manufacturing class. The lucky winner, a student named Noah, took home the bike to the cheers of fellow attendees.
In addition to the festive atmosphere, the fair had a serious purpose—connecting students with tangible help for real-world needs. Vendors provided information on rental and utility assistance, food programs, job placement services, and community workshops designed to help students achieve stability outside the classroom. For many, it was an opportunity to make personal connections with organizations that could play a major role in their success at Ivy Tech and beyond.
Events like the Basic Needs Resource Fair are part of Ivy Tech’s ongoing mission to build a strong foundation of student well-being. IvyCares, in partnership with Student Life, continues to expand its outreach to ensure every student has access to the resources they need—whether it’s housing, mental health support, or career development opportunities.
Looking ahead, IvyCares and Student Life have already planned their next major initiative—the Mental Health Resource Fair, scheduled for November 18 at Ivy Tech Fairbanks in Lawrence from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ten vendors are already confirmed to participate, with the event focusing on mental health awareness and wellness resources available in the Lawrence area.
“We’re incredibly proud of the partnerships we’ve built and the students we’re able to serve,” said another member of the Student Life team. “Every event like this moves us closer to our goal of creating a fully supported student community.”
By connecting students with local nonprofits and service organizations, Ivy Tech continues to live out its mission as Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and a vital part of the state’s workforce development network. With campuses across Indiana and a strong online presence, Ivy Tech serves thousands of students each year, offering degrees, certificates, and training programs that align with industry needs.
As Ivy Tech Indianapolis reflects on the success of the Basic Needs Resource Fair, the message is clear—student success is about more than academics. It’s about making sure every learner has access to the basic resources that allow them to thrive both in and out of the classroom. And through ongoing efforts from IvyCares, Student Life, and community partners, that support system continues to grow—one event, and one student, at a time.
