Mission and Purpose
ICEC is a unique organization in the country. It was created in 1991 to:
Assist students of Indian heritage for fulfillment of their cultural and educational aspirations
Create a support network of students, faculty and community of Indian heritage to assist in times of emotional stress and crises
Provide opportunities to youth of Indian heritage to congregate, co-operate and contribute
Provide academic guidance to students seeking careers in various fields
Provide emergency financial assistance, scholarships and zero-interest loans to needy students
Promote Indo-American cultural interaction by organizing and participating in cultural and educational programs
Provide an opportunity to its members to contribute towards the betterment of the community-at-large
Assist students of Indian heritage for fulfilment of their cultural and educational aspirations
For children under 18:
SAT review classes in English
SAT review classes in Mathematics
Physics classes for high school children
Chemistry classes for high school children
Hindi classes
Indian music classes
For University of Florida (UF) and Santa Fe College (SFC) students:
ICEC members as faculty advisors to Indian student organizations registered with UF
Community members to provide help as needed, particularly in emergency
Provide a forum for social, cultural, and religious activities
Provide a place for fundraising
Academic counseling and career guidance by UF Indian faculty & staff
Create a support network of students, faculty and community members of Indian heritage to assist in times of emotional stress and crises
A group of faculty advisors helps students who need assistance
Graduate students help and mentor undergraduate students
First-year UF students assist high school graduates in selecting classes and give advice regarding college life
Physicians of Indian heritage provide medical assistance to students
Psychologist of Indian heritage provides counseling during crisis situations
Business community (motel owners) has provided short-term accommodation and employment for students in need
Indian community has galvanized support to ensure students get adequate legal advice in times of need
Special funds have been raised for student relief in times of crises
Zero-interest loans available to needy students
Provide opportunity to youth of Indian heritage to congregate, cooperate and contribute
ICEC Youth Group, formed in April 1995, has provided children between ages 5 and 18 a means to learn their heritage, culture and to become a support group for teenagers.
Educational activities:
SAT review classes every Sunday
Science & Language classes for high-school students
Music classes (Harmonium and Tabla)
Continuing Medical Education seminar and Health Fair
Cultural programs:
Republic Day
Independence Day
India Fest
Earth day at Gainesville plaza
Celebration of festivals – Diwali, Eid, Christmas
Contribution to community:
Keep Alachua County Beautiful
Hope for Holidays during Christmas
Feed the Hungry at St. Francis House
Canned Foods drive during Thanksgiving holiday
Fun-filled activities:
Picnics at various parks
Holi celebration
Ichetucknee river tubing
Fundraising activities:
2010 Haiti earthquake
2004 Tsunami disaster
Provide academic guidance to students seeking careers in various fields
Meeting with professors from University of Florida (UF) to receive guidance in various fields, including
Business
Engineering
Law
Medicine
Science
Plans are in progress to start ‘MEET THE DEAN’ program for UF students who are interested in pursuing career in Engineering, Medicine, Dental, Veterinary Medicine, Chiropractic, Physician Assistant and Nursing fields.
Provide emergency financial assistance, scholarships and zero-interest loans to needy students
A special fund has been set up from the donations by:
Dr. Shio Agarwal in memory of their son Rahul Agarwal,
Dr. Dinesh O. Shah in memory of his wife Suvarna Shah, and
Dr. Rasik Nagda.
As of today, this fund has provided interest-free loans to twenty graduate students (most of them are students who came from India for higher studies)
There is a scholarship fund in memory of Mr. Vinod Pillai to award scholarships of $300.00 to the best volunteer student from University of Florida.
Student Contingency Fund to help needy students
Legal Fund to help student in legal cases
Promote Indo–American cultural interaction by organizing and participating in cultural and educational programs
Annual India Fest drawing 2000-2500 visitors
Republic Day cultural program open to the community
Independence Day cultural program open to the community
Earth Day cultural program at Gainesville downtown plaza
Participation in the annual Florida Folklore Festival
Watching cricket matches, Indian movies and documentaries on TV at ICEC
Live music and dance concerts by well-known artists and programs by programs by undergraduate and graduate student groups
Hosting talks by professors and experts in different fields
Indian folk dances such as Navaratri Garba open to community
Lectures by invited cultural and religious leaders
Providing opportunity to its members to contribute towards the betterment of the community-at-large
Raise funds for disasters in USA and INDIA
India Fest in 2001 raised funds for 9/11
Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund in 2006
Tsunami disaster of 2004
Haiti Disaster Relief fund in 2010
Community members participate in volunteer programs such as Adopt-a-Road and Keep Alachua Beautiful programs of Alachua County
Arrange Continuing Medical Education seminars for medical professionals
Arrange financial seminars for members and non-members
Arrange educational seminars for Long Term Care insurance
Organize Health Fair for ICEC members and community-at-large
Support group activities for seniors of Indian heritage e.g. Grandparents’ Club
Provide SAT review classes for under-privileged children in Gainesville
Yoga workshops
Provide a venue for indoor activities