‘Future leaders’: SAIC and ROI build talent pipeline together

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

At SAIC, the next generation of technical talent is already on the job.    Through ROI's UpSkill Work & Learn program, SAIC has made high school apprenticeships a core part of its long-term talent strategy. For North Lawrence student apprentice Caleb Cheney, that strategy is already becoming hands-on experience: he has moved from assembling hardware kits to creating CAD drafts and … Continue reading ‘Future leaders’: SAIC and ROI build talent pipeline together

STEM Fellows kick off school year with Crane tour, hands-on learning

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

The goal was simple, but strong: "Lead by doing." That was what a Regional Opportunity Initiatives STEM Fellow wrote down during the two-day kickoff of the 2026-2027 Fellowship. That sentiment was echoed by another Fellow, who reflected on the kickoff and the lasting impact they hope the Fellowship will have on their work: "Today's experience … Continue reading STEM Fellows kick off school year with Crane tour, hands-on learning

READI-powered progress: Country Court V begins welcoming residents

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Thanks to catalytic Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funding, Loogootee’s Country Court V neighborhood is welcoming new residents in Martin County. This strategic investment accelerated the development of this 32-acre single-family subdivision from vision to reality, enabling the completion of new homes and helping the first wave of residents settle into a brand-new … Continue reading READI-powered progress: Country Court V begins welcoming residents

UpSkill hits new high with 60 apprentices in milestone signing day

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

For the last five years, the Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) UpSkill Work & Learn apprenticeship program has helped guide students to career paths in the Indiana Uplands and provide employers a talent pipeline. In its first year, UpSkill launched with 27 students and 12 employers. The fifth cohort includes 60 students and 28 employers. On … Continue reading UpSkill hits new high with 60 apprentices in milestone signing day

From blight to build: New collaboration targets housing in Martin County

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

In a region where housing of all types and sizes is needed to support a growing workforce, one new build in Martin County represents more than a home — it marks a turning point in how communities can approach growth and infill housing. The Indiana Uplands Regional Land Bank is leading the single-family home build … Continue reading From blight to build: New collaboration targets housing in Martin County

Newest Career Coaching Fellowship cohort welcomes 23 educators

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

To strengthen pathways from the classroom to college, careers, and beyond, Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is pleased to announce the fifth cohort of its Career Coaching Fellowship. This cohort brings together expertise from counseling, teaching, and work‑based learning, and includes twenty‑three individuals from across the Indiana Uplands during the 2026–2027 academic year. This year‑long fellowship … Continue reading Newest Career Coaching Fellowship cohort welcomes 23 educators

17 educators selected for new STEM Fellowship cohort

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is proud to announce its newest STEM Fellowship cohort. The 17 selected educators in Cohort 9 will begin their fellowship year in July 2026, bringing the total number to 166 Fellows working to grow high-quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning throughout the Indiana Uplands region. STEM Fellow alumni will … Continue reading 17 educators selected for new STEM Fellowship cohort

PHOTO GALLERIES: Uplands Made 2026

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Running a business as a high school student is no easy task, but across the Indiana Uplands, young entrepreneurs are stepping up to the challenge every school day. That shared experience brought these young Uplanders together on April 14 to learn from one another and sharpen their skills. Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), in partnership with … Continue reading PHOTO GALLERIES: Uplands Made 2026

From UpSkill apprentice to essential employee: Ryder Craig celebrated

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

What started as an apprenticeship with RTC Communications, designed to show a young person what a career could look like with a rural fiber internet provider in the Indiana Uplands, soon grew into a lasting relationship.  Bringing with him a sincere curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn, Ryder Craig, an UpSkill … Continue reading From UpSkill apprentice to essential employee: Ryder Craig celebrated

A welcome holiday gift: Ribbon cut on Ellettsville Heritage Center

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Earlier this month, the town of Ellettsville cut the ribbon on its newest gift to the community: the Heritage Center at Stewart Park. The Heritage Center honors the history of Stewart Park while looking to the future, transforming the footprint of the historic barn into a gathering place and cultural facility where the community can … Continue reading A welcome holiday gift: Ribbon cut on Ellettsville Heritage Center

Academy launches to elevate Ready Schools collaboration and impact

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Since 2017, ROI’s Ready Schools initiative has supported 18 school districts in implementing transformative, long-term strategies that prepare students for success in post-secondary education and high-demand careers. By engaging local stakeholders and employers, this initiative drives systemic change and aligns K-12 curricula and programs with the region’s evolving workforce needs. Participating school districts focus on … Continue reading Academy launches to elevate Ready Schools collaboration and impact

New home for the holidays: Meet Klondike Subdivision’s newest residents

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

This winter will be bright for Ayla and Gabe Lindsey as they watch their two young sons experience the magic of the holidays in their new home nestled in the French Lick Klondike Subdivision. Not far from Ayla and Gabe, Lori Atsedes looks forward to hosting holiday parties in her new home, where she can … Continue reading New home for the holidays: Meet Klondike Subdivision’s newest residents

STEM Fellowship launches year of innovation

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

The STEM adventure has begun for Regional Opportunity Initiatives' latest STEM Fellows cohort! Last week marked the official launch of the 2025-2026 STEM Fellowship, a yearlong journey of innovation, discovery, and professional growth for elementary and middle school educators across the Indiana Uplands. The STEM Fellowship is a 10-month professional development program to support elementary … Continue reading STEM Fellowship launches year of innovation

Creating community connections: Muralist fills region with color

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Muralist Adam Long was busy in the Indiana Uplands region this month. In fact, Long keeps busy in the Uplands almost every month, filling nearly every county with color and light as he drapes the sides of buildings and walls of businesses with his bright, unique artistic style. This month’s project: the first phase of … Continue reading Creating community connections: Muralist fills region with color

Igniting knowledge: High schoolers, parent reflect on soldering camp

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Shoals High School student Isaac Johnson’s experience at ROI’s free Soldering Camp led him to the realization that this precise, hands-on skill would help him if he wanted to work in engineering – or more specifically: On airplanes. “This camp changed the way I think about technology and future careers,” Johnson said. Johnson was one … Continue reading Igniting knowledge: High schoolers, parent reflect on soldering camp