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The first day of the fall semester is just days away, and that means ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s important one-day fundraiser #MoveInÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú — this year on Thursday, Aug. 24 — is fast approaching.

Last year, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Regionals raised $93,000 for a number of critical projects and scholarships thanks to the generous support of alumni, students, faculty, and friends. The goal is to match or exceed that number this year, said Regional Director of Development Yvette Kelly-Fields, by achieving at least 365 unique donations to honor the Class of 2027.

There are more than 100 funding opportunities to choose from, including programs supporting student wellness, diversity, stethoscopes for nursing students, and capstone design projects for engineering students, among many others. 

Kelly-Fields highlighted several particular areas of focus this year: Early College Academy, the new Disc Golf Course at the Hamilton Campus, and the Middletown Campus Nature Trail.

Review a complete list of giving options to support programs and initiatives that enrich ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Regionals students and the community.

Early College Academy momentum accelerating 

In its second year at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Regionals, Early College Academy (ECA) offers area high school students the chance to earn an associate degree at no cost while they finish high school through a partnership with Ohio’s College Credit Plus program. The dual enrollment program has provided traditionally underserved students with greater access to a college education by cutting costs and reducing the time needed to reach a bachelor’s degree.

While many of the costs of the program are covered through state funding, there are gaps in areas such as enrichment, student food costs, and academic coaching, Kelly-Fields said. Donations are essential to fill these gaps.

Launched with two high schools and no more than two dozen students in 2022, ECA will expand to six high schools and more than 100 students this fall. 

“Early College Academy is a hit,” Kelly-Fields said. “People love it. But that means we need more money to support the students to help them succeed.”

Extra funds are needed for expenses such as field trips, events, and school supplies. In addition, two courses required in the program and academic coaching are not funded through state resources. Snacks and food alone cost at least $100 per student throughout the year, she noted. 

Alicia Justice, director of Dual Credit ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, said funding for wrap-around services for ECA helps reduce barriers that otherwise might stand in the way.

“Many of the students need everything from supplies to meals,” Justice said. “They have a dedicated common area on campus, and we want this to be the place they can come to find computers, study help or snacks, whatever they need. Donations are needed to equip this space to be as helpful as possible.”

Disc Golf and Nature Trail

The importance of outdoor recreation never became more apparent than during the last several years as the region weathered the pandemic. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú responded by investing in the campus facilities and amenities, such as its Disc Golf Course at the Hamilton Campus and the Middletown Campus Nature Trail. Now these two valuable destinations need funding to provide regular maintenance to keep them in optimal condition for the many outdoor enthusiasts who make use of them.

Disc Golf is a popular sport and the upgraded course at the Hamilton Campus is busy every week with players. Over the past year, the Regionals expanded the course from nine holes to 18, adding new holes in wooded locations to increase player enjoyment. Upgrades, such as concrete pads at each hole, new signage, and a new practice hole, were also added. The course is always free and open to the community as well as students. Donors can give to the overall campaign to support the course or sponsor a hole.

The Middletown Campus Nature Trail was rededicated in June after getting some much-needed maintenance and upgrades, such as benches and improved pathways. The trail dates back to 1978, when the university created the first half-mile length through a wooded section of campus. Today, it winds through a 1.5-mile stretch that is considered excellent for birding and viewing the area’s trees and flowers. Donations will help maintain the trails and add improvements as needed to increase enjoyment or enhance safety.

To learn more about these initiatives and other opportunities for giving, visit the #MoveInÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú webpage.