More than 100 students got the chance to show off their information technology (IT) skills and meet with local tech employers Friday at the 2025 IT Challenge presented by Google and hosted by the School of Information Technology at Ivy Tech Community College.
“Google’s support of Ivy Tech and our students comes at a time when our IT programs are growing, our student enrollment is growing, and career opportunities in IT in Indiana are in high demand,” said Mike Bottorff, Vice President, School of Information Technology. “We appreciate the support and the exposure a major employer like Google can give to our students in a hot career market today.”
At the Challenge event Friday, Ivy Tech students demonstrated their IT knowledge by competing in real-world challenges, showing what they have been learning in their classes, and having a chance to earn scholarships.
“Technology advances because of the people behind it,” said Utaukwa Allen, Global Head of Data Center Economic & Community Development, Google. “By supporting the Ivy Tech IT Challenge and students within their programs across Indiana, Google is ensuring the digital infrastructure of our country is built by the best and brightest coming straight out of these local programs. To every student competing today: you are the next generation of architects and disruptors and we’re so excited to see what your potential becomes.”
In addition, students were able to connect with potential employers. A number of industry partners attended the event as part of a career fair and networking opportunities.
Ivy Tech President Dr. Marty Pollio and Utaukwa Allen, Google’s Global Head of Data Center Economic & Community Development, kicked off the competition with encouraging remarks for students, followed by individual competitions in various IT discipline areas, and then an interdisciplinary team championship competition.
Winners included:
1st Place
Omar Nieto – Fort Wayne
Vidhi Patel – Columbus
Alden Pinkston – Valparaiso
Kevin Ratcliff – Bloomington
2nd Place
Billy Beck – South Bend
Xavier Davidson – Lawrenceburg
Andrew Mitchell – Evansville
Jennifer Perez – Indianapolis
3rd Place
Jordan DeMent – Lawrenceburg
Gray Manning – Indianapolis
Jesse Markin – Richmond
Dan Thomas – Bloomington
Greg Vazquez – Indianapolis
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degree and short-term certificate programs, and trainings that align to the needs of the community. The College also offers courses and associate degree programs that seamlessly transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a quality, affordable route to a bachelor’s degree.