PNC College Bound Program Has New Coordinator

WESTVILLE – The Purdue University North Central College Bound program has announced that Michigan City native Kila Ward has been hired as program coordinator and will lead the effort to build this innovative community partnership.

College Bound is a collaboration between PNC and Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) that will make the dream of attending college a reality for MCAS students. Students will be selected for participation in the College Bound program in the seventh grade based upon test scores, teacher recommendations and other criteria.

As coordinator Ward, a graduate of Michigan City Elston High School, has a unique insight into the community and familiarity with MCAS schools and its students. She also works as an instructional assistant at Joy School in Michigan City and an assistant site coordinator for the Safe Harbor program at the school.

“Kila's experience in working with young people, combined with her connections as a member of the Michigan City community, give her a great background for this job,” said J. Jeffrey Jones, PNC assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management.  “As a graduate of the Michigan City Area Schools she understands the need for additional educational opportunities.”

One of Ward’s first objectives will be working with MCAS teachers and staff to select the first group of 25 College Bound candidates who will participate in the program as eighth graders during the 2005 – 2006 academic year. As planned, 25 eighth grade students will join the program each following year.

Ward will be instrumental in designing and implementing learning activities such as field trips, after-school programs, mentoring opportunities and summer camps for the students to enjoy from eighth grade through high school graduation.

College Bound is funded solely through donations from area organizations, grants and individual contributions. College Bound support has been pledged by partners City Savings Bank, Horizon Bank and Sullair Corp., all of Michigan City, the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation and NIPSCO.

“This is a tremendous program for PNC, the Michigan City Area Schools and the residents of Michigan City. We look forward to welcoming our first group of students to the program and watching them learn and grow and ultimately join us on campus at PNC,” said PNC Chancellor James. B. Dworkin.

“Some day, we will see these young people enter our community as college graduates who will take on roles as leaders of the 21st century. We can take pride in knowing that our efforts of today are helping to secure the future for these students and all in our community.”

Information about the PNC College Bound program can be obtained by contacting Ward at 800-872-1231, ext. 5414 or at kward@pnc.edu.

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