Ivy Tech Community College-Northwest will launch the Ivy Tech Going Greener project on Friday, September 14, at 1 p.m. at the East Chicago campus, 410 East Columbus Drive. The Ivy Tech Going Greener project will provide students in the Automotive program an opportunity to convert a 2000 Ford Ranger from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle (EV). Students will convert the vehicle during the academic year as part of their instruction in the Automotive program. Students and faculty from the program will be on hand to discuss the curriculum, textbooks and the actual process for converting the vehicle.

Juan Guadiana, instructor and chair of the automotive program, said that students will do all the work on converting the truck. "This will complement what we already do with our hands-on instruction," he said. "It will provide an opportunity for new students coming into the program and professionals already in the field to get first hand experience with these types of vehicles."

O'Merrial Butchee, executive director of the Ivy Tech Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center said the project will provide lessons and discussions on the uses of alternative fuels and a hands-on approach for learning and training. It will also demonstrate creative problem solving and the power and importance of teamwork at all levels.

Dr. Richard Barnes, an international businessman in Gary, and his wife Carole, provided the vehicle to the College for conversion in spring, 2007. Upon completion, the Barneses will allow Ivy Tech to display and use the vehicle at promotional events.