College is coming to Crestmont next semester.

A dozen Bloomington Housing Authority residents will take an Ivy Tech State College introductory college class that starts Jan. 12.

Free of charge.

"Fresh Start to College" introduces residents to Ivy Tech without the commute. The course, a staple for all Ivy Tech freshmen, will be taught in the Crestmont Community building.

"This is where we belong," said Ivy Tech Chancellor John Whikehart.

At a Wednesday luncheon, leaders from Ivy Tech and the BHA Resident Council announced the new partnership. Both groups say education is the key that turns lives around.

While other Crestmont classes may be offered in the future, Whikehart said, the goal of this class is to plant the college seed and watch the residents grow into full-time students who attend the new $23 million campus on West Ind. 48.

Members of resident council are starting to get the word out to their neighbors about the class. Ivy Tech will cover the group's tuition and book fees, estimated at around $300 per student, with scholarship funds.

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, said Kevin White, resident council president.

For two months, residents-turned-students will focus on computer and study skills, community and library resources, learning strategies and financial management, among other topics.

The class is one way White hopes to help involve and empower residents in the public housing complex. He has advocated a number of resident initiatives since he became resident president last spring.

In fact, White met Whikehart at Crestmont's annual "National Night Out" event that he organized in August. That meeting sparked their first discussions on an education partnership.

"This partnership can lead to bigger and better things for low-wealth households. It starts with education," said Romona Taylor Williams, who is providing leadership and organizational training to the resident council.

Ivy Tech's presence will serve as a magnet for other programs and services, White said. Mayor-elect Mark Kruzan and several city council members attended the luncheon in support.