Bloomington, Indiana – Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington is inviting prospective students to an information session on Tuesday, October 28, at 6 p.m., highlighting its free training programs funded by the state’s Next Level Jobs (NLJ) Workforce Ready Grant. The session, open to anyone interested, will take place in room C221 on campus and virtually for remote participants.
The NLJ Workforce Ready Grant covers the full cost of tuition for eligible students, giving them the opportunity to earn certifications that lead to high-wage, in-demand careers across Indiana. Unlike many financial aid programs, eligibility for this grant is not based on income. To qualify, students must meet several requirements: they must be Indiana residents, hold a high school diploma or equivalency, not have previously earned a Next Level Jobs-eligible certification, not hold a college degree, and submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
“Next Level Jobs gives people the chance to train for a good-paying career without worrying about tuition,” said an Ivy Tech representative. “We want to make education and workforce training accessible to everyone who meets the basic requirements.”
The college offers a wide variety of certificate programs designed to prepare students for high-demand industries. Programs focus on sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Building and Construction, Education and Public Affairs & Services, Nursing and Healthcare, Information Technology and Business, and Transportation and Logistics. The goal is to help students quickly gain the skills needed to enter the workforce in positions with strong growth potential and competitive salaries.
A new addition this year is a short-term Entrepreneurship certificate, aimed at helping residents develop the skills necessary to launch or grow their own businesses. Local residents who have completed the program have successfully started businesses in Bloomington and surrounding areas, reflecting the program’s practical and economic impact.
The information session on October 28 will give attendees a chance to learn about the application process, program details, and the types of careers available through these certificates.
Students can RSVP online at https://link.ivytech.edu/nljoct28. Classes for the programs begin on January 12, providing a clear path for those looking to start a new career at the beginning of the new year.
Ivy Tech Bloomington also offers more than 40 career programs and four-year transfer options, with courses starting multiple times each year to accommodate students who want to enter the workforce quickly. The flexibility of class start dates allows students to pursue career-focused training without lengthy delays.
Prospective students can apply for free online at ivytech.edu/bloomington, call 812-330-6013, or email [email protected] for additional guidance. More information about free, short-term training programs is available at ivytech.edu/bloomington/NLJ.
By combining accessible tuition-free programs with high-demand career paths, Ivy Tech Bloomington continues to support workforce development across Indiana, empowering residents to gain skills that lead to better jobs, career advancement, and economic growth. The upcoming info session offers a first step for anyone interested in taking advantage of these opportunities, whether in person or virtually.
This session is not just a presentation — it’s an invitation for individuals to transform their career prospects and step into industries where skilled workers are in high demand. With multiple pathways available, including the new Entrepreneurship program, students have the tools they need to pursue meaningful and rewarding careers.
Attending the October 28 session is the ideal way to explore how Ivy Tech’s programs, fully funded through the NLJ grant, can open doors to employment opportunities across Indiana, ensuring that students graduate with the knowledge, certification, and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.
Classes start in January, giving those who attend the session a clear timeline to prepare applications and take the first step toward career advancement and personal growth.
