Our Crowdfunding Groups
THE PROJECT
The Ichabod Success Institute connects high school graduates from underrepresented areas in Topeka, Kansas, with the academic resources to succeed at Washburn University. The Ichabod Opportunity Fund helps these students with scholarships or other financial needs while they are in the program.
The fund was created in November 2016 and aid has already been awarded to Ichabod Success Institute students in need thanks to some early gifts from generous donors. The goal is to increase the fund to $15,000 this fall with Impact crowdfunding gifts. Your gift can make a difference and get us closer to the goal!
The Ichabod Success Institute, recognized as a University Business "Model of Excellence," helps students build connections, learn study skills and go through college with the confidence and support system to succeed. A program like this is crucial to student success when data shows a low retention rate exists for minority, first-generation and low-income students. Also crucial to many of these students is extra financial assistance as many are solely dependent on scholarships and grants to be able to stay in school and earn their degree.
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
The Ichabod Success Institute enrolls select high school graduates from Topeka Public Schools. During the summer institute, the students take English and First-Year Experience courses. They live on campus and learn new skills like how to study, how to use a library, time management, and budgeting. Participants are assigned an academic advisor and a mentor to build a support system before their first fall semester begins.
The program began in 2016-17 with 20 students and added 17 this year. Area high schools say there is a need for even more students to attend this program.
YOU CAN HELP
With your support, we can raise $25,000 for the Ichabod Opportunity Fund. This money will be available for the Ichabod Success Institute to help students with their immediate needs when it hinders their ability to stay in school. Often, a family emergency or unexpected cost can slow or stop a student’s path to graduating. This fund would help Ichabod Success Institute students with educational costs like tuition, books and residential living when their own funds come up short.
Ichabod Success Institute students are dedicated to graduating and going on to rewarding careers that make a difference in the community. They may be the first people in their family to graduate college, and the financial impact the degree will have on them, their family, and future generations will be exponential. You can give these students the boost they need during these crucial first two years.
Giving at this level, combined with others’ gifts, will help students meet basic needs.
You can help students cover the costs of activity fees or course materials.
Gifts at this level could help a student purchase a textbook, a cost many students have trouble meeting.
You can cover one credit hour of tuition for a student and keep them going on their educational journey.
Gifts at this level would cover tuition and fees for one semester and put a student closer to reaching their dreams.
