Learning Center tour slated for Wednesday

The new Jackson County Learning Center in Seymour is scheduled to open this fall, but the public can get a sneak peek at the facility this coming week.

An open house will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the center, located at 323 Dupont Drive, behind the new BridgePointe Goodwill store. At that time, learning center officials will provide tours and information to the public about what educational and work force training opportunities the center will offer.

Representatives from Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus and Indiana Wesleyan also will be available to provide information concerning classes and training they will be offering for the fall 2010 semester.

The learning center is a public-private partnership project of the Community Foundation of Jackson County, the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce, the City of Seymour and the various participating colleges.

“We are very excited about having this educational facility completed,” said Bill Bailey, chamber president. “Making college classes and work force training available locally will have a positive impact for generations to come.”

The 20,000-square-foot facility will contain state-of-the-art technology for distance learning and training classes. It is being financed by a $500,000 loan from the Community Foundation, loans from six local banks, and leases from Ivy Tech, IUPUC, Indiana Wesleyan and WorkOne, which also will have offices at the center. Other funding for the facility is coming from the city, which set aside a portion of revenue from tax increment financing for educational improvement and a significant contribution from a local citizen.

“The Community Foundation is pleased to be able to be a partner in this countywide educational project,” Bud Walther, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, said.

“The foundation views this project as an example of how we hope to help Jackson County move forward.”

For more information, contact the Community Foundation of Jackson County at 523-4483.

If you go

What: Jackson County Learning Center tour

When: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday

Where: 323 Dupont Drive, behind the new BridgePointe Goodwill store in Seymour

Information: 523-4483