Tribune staff reports

The McDowell Education Center’s High School Equivalency program at the Jackson County Learning Center recently received funds from eight local businesses to purchase nine laptop computers to be used by its students.

The local businesses joined with the Community Foundation of Jackson County to provide donations dedicated for the program, formerly known as the GED program.

The laptops will become a part of the technology equipment inventory of the learning center in Seymour for use by the program.

“The laptops are a valuable addition to the (high school equivalency) program here at JCLC and will help students gain needed technology skills while completing their HSE curriculum,” said Amy Heideman, director of the learning center.

During the 2016-17 HSE school year, about 50 students participated in the four classes of the program at the learning center.

Dan Davis, president and CEO of the community foundation, said from its inception, the learning center has been about community partnerships aimed at improving the educational attainment and lives of Jackson County residents.

“…and this project is another good example of that,” said Davis, who also is a member of the Jackson County Education Coalition’s board of directors. The coalition oversees operations of the learning center.

The learning center is a community resource offering space for classes offered by Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus, Seymour High School and others. Area businesses also conduct training classes at the center.

Businesses providing financial support were BloomBank, Stuckwisch Heating & Air Conditioning, Klaes Chiropractic, Old National Bank, Blue & Co., Mark Dennis CPA & Co., MainSource Bank and Ranger Enterprises.

Information on the 2017-18 HSE classes that begin Aug. 1 may be obtained at the Jackson County Learning Center, 323 Dupont Drive, Seymour.