New outdoor classroom inspiring exploration and learning for young students

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Brown County Early Education Center leverages READI 1.0 funding to add high-quality learning environment and increase capacity. From riding around the race track on trikes and striders to using an outdoor play kitchen, small students are achieving big developmental goals.  In August, the Brown County Early Education Center (EEC) opened a new outdoor learning classroom … Continue reading New outdoor classroom inspiring exploration and learning for young students

Digital Towns connection check-in with Salem

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Photo courtesy of Washington County Community Foundation Accessing free public WiFi continues to get easier in the Indiana Uplands as communities use Digital Towns grant funding to provide this essential component of a thriving community. Earlier this summer, Salem held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate free public WiFi available throughout the city.  Free WiFi is … Continue reading Digital Towns connection check-in with Salem

READI 1.0 project in Huntingburg activates alley and downtown connections

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

If you look down Huntingburg's recently renovated alley on 4th Street around lunchtime, you will often see a variety of residents and visitors sitting and enjoying their time together. It's an example of cultural convergence in this Indiana Uplands city and one of the reasons why Huntingburg is special, according to Mayor Neil Elkins. "It’s … Continue reading READI 1.0 project in Huntingburg activates alley and downtown connections

ROI celebrates third UpSkill cohort with signing day

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Last week, ROI hosted an orientation and signing day experience for students and employers participating in the third cohort of the UpSkill Work and Learn Youth Apprenticeship program. With the stroke of a pen, 31 new students officially embarked on their journey into the modern youth apprenticeship experience. UpSkill provides selected high school students with … Continue reading ROI celebrates third UpSkill cohort with signing day

MCCSC is full ‘STEAM’ ahead in Ready Schools Initiative

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

On the last Friday of the school year, a line of eager Bloomington High School South students is already forming before the doors open to The ScholarSips Cafe. Some students place their orders on a new mobile app, and a tasty drink awaits them on the counter as they walk into the shop, which can … Continue reading MCCSC is full ‘STEAM’ ahead in Ready Schools Initiative

Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Brayden Hudson

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

This is Brayden Hudson’s second year as an UpSkill apprentice. He works for SAIC, a military defense contractor in Bedford. Hudson He said he wanted to apply for an apprenticeship with UpSkill because he wanted to open up more career opportunities for himself. The best part about UpSkill has been the “invaluable experience” Hudson has … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Brayden Hudson

Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Amorenio Martinez

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

During his initial year as an apprentice at Indiana Safety and Supply, Amorenio Martinez has already gleaned valuable insights and lessons. Martinez “I learned the process of what a company does to run a business, and I am learning the importance of finding a balance in life,” said the Washington High School junior. “It provided … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Amorenio Martinez

Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Owen Snyder

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Ask Owen Snyder the highlight of his academic career so far and his answer is straightforward: His UpSkill apprenticeship at German American Bank. “Being an UpSkill apprentice has taught me more than I ever could have imagined,” said the Edgewood High School senior. Snyder works at German American Bank. Not only has it taught Snyder … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Owen Snyder

Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Bryden Dausch

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Edgewood High School senior Bryden Dausch applied for an UpSkill apprenticeship because he knew it would help him get a head-start when he began job searching after graduating. “Even if I didn't get placed somewhere I liked, it would be great for resume building,” he said. Dausch Luckily, Dausch loves where he enjoys working for … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Bryden Dausch

Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Maddison Simmerman

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Bedford North Lawrence High School junior Maddison Simmerman finds the greatest joy in her UpSkill apprenticeship from the supportive individuals who champion her success. Simmerman Simmerman, intrigued by engineering, gets hands-on experience at PRD Inc. in Springville, known for its plastic injection molding service. During her time with PRD, Simmerman has made “several contributions” to … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Maddison Simmerman

Youth Apprenticeship Week Highlights: UpSkill apprentices

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

In honor of the first-ever Youth Apprenticeship Week (May 5-11), Regional Opportunity Initiatives is recognizing five students in our UpSkill Work and Learn modern youth apprenticeship program. UpSkill is a two- to three-year work and learn experience that provides selected high school students with a paid job, career credentials, and college courses. Students work for … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Highlights: UpSkill apprentices

Brown County Schools to host TEDx event, community invited to be inspired

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Students in Brown County Schools are gearing up to press play and inspire their community next month when they take center stage during the district’s first-ever TEDx event. All are invited to the 2,000-seat Brown County Music Center on May 18 to hear from inspirational speakers and support the community’s youngest residents during this free … Continue reading Brown County Schools to host TEDx event, community invited to be inspired

Creating connections: Students, educators attend Uplands Made student-run business conference

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Photos courtesy of Creative Technology Corp. Knowing how to give a firm handshake, work in a team setting, write a professional email, and follow a budget – some skills students learn best outside the traditional classroom. Those skills, and more, were on display when Regional Opportunity Initiatives convened the third annual Uplands Made Student-Run Business … Continue reading Creating connections: Students, educators attend Uplands Made student-run business conference

School counselor helps students prep for post-secondary success

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

With plenty of opportunities for young people to attend college, earn certificates, or enter the workforce after receiving a high school diploma, students are considering what their pathway will look like after they graduate.  Not all students will end up at a traditional four-year college, some will choose to pursue a certification or go straight … Continue reading School counselor helps students prep for post-secondary success