Suzannah Couch, Author at Regional Opportunity Initiatives

Bluegrass behavior: Indiana Uplander recognized by governor for influential music career

Posted on September 22, 2023September 22, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

At 18, Jim Smoak finished high school in South Carolina, grabbed his banjo and suitcase, and hit the road to go see the Grand Ole Opry. This trip ultimately kicked off his impressive career as a bluegrass musician where he played alongside Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass. This summer the Washington County resident and … Continue reading Bluegrass behavior: Indiana Uplander recognized by governor for influential music career

‘They are all just kids here’: All-inclusive playground ready for play in Washington

Posted on August 31, 2023August 31, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

Valerie Barmes and her family drove 20 minutes for a day of fun at the new all-inclusive playground at Longfellow Park in Washington. Her 2-year-old son uses a wheelchair and has mobility issues. "He isn’t able to create his own fun, so really whenever we play with him we have to create fun for him," … Continue reading ‘They are all just kids here’: All-inclusive playground ready for play in Washington

Four schools added to UpLabs Digital Fabrication Lab Network

Posted on August 31, 2023August 31, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

Four schools in the Indiana Uplands have been selected to join ROI’s UpLabs network, a collaboration of schools that have embedded digital fabrication labs to empower students as adaptive problem solvers through making. With state-of-the-art equipment and project-based learning instruction, these labs are developing a region of makers ready to excel in the next generation … Continue reading Four schools added to UpLabs Digital Fabrication Lab Network

Revitalization in action: Jasper Courthouse Square project progressing

Posted on August 24, 2023September 1, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

Take a stroll around the Jasper Courthouse Square and you will see revitalization in action. On one corner is a fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs, perfect for a fall evening gathering with friends. Another corner has a group of large swings perfect for soaking up the sun and the scenery of the historic downtown … Continue reading Revitalization in action: Jasper Courthouse Square project progressing

Place to call home: New Westcott neighborhood near WestGate to include 30 homes

Posted on June 27, 2023June 27, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

Westcott Lifestyle Neighborhood features paired homes, Smithville Fiber and smart home features.

EAGLE CORNER: Career Connected Learning offering apprenticeships to local students

Posted on June 2, 2023June 2, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

Career Connected Learning (CCL) in Brown County offers students career-related opportunities such as career exploration, career engagement and career experiences that all require local industry partnerships. Our Brown County Schools students are involved in CCL activities throughout K-12, but there’s a new opportunity that’s unique to our high school students. Brown County High School sophomores … Continue reading EAGLE CORNER: Career Connected Learning offering apprenticeships to local students

Building bright futures: High schoolers find success with UpSkill apprenticeship program

Posted on May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

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.

UpSkill Work & Learn: A Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program

Posted on May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

Indiana Uplands students are discovering career pathways and regional employers are growing their workforce through ROI's UpSkill Work & Learn, a modern youth apprenticeship program. UpSkill students gain real-life work experiences and connections they can use in future careers in the Uplands. ROI had the opportunity to speak with six UpSkill students about their experiences … Continue reading UpSkill Work & Learn: A Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program

Photo Gallery: Second annual Uplands Made conference

Posted on April 26, 2023April 28, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

On April 25, ROI convened 100 Indiana Uplands students from eight high schools gathered along with 50 school educators, administrators and industry leaders in Brown County for the second annual Uplands Made student-run business conference. At the event, students toured Eagle Manufacturing’s new facility, showcased their products, and led presentations on screen printing, production management, … Continue reading Photo Gallery: Second annual Uplands Made conference

Indiana Uplands Innovation Award winners recognized at ROI’s 2023 Annual Report to the Region

Posted on April 21, 2023April 21, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

ROI is proud to announce the 2023 winners of the Indiana Uplands Regional Innovation Awards. The Indiana Uplands Regional Innovation Awards recognize deserving people, organizations, and projects that have made meaningful improvements to education, workforce, economic development, and quality of place within the 11 counties of the Uplands region (Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, … Continue reading Indiana Uplands Innovation Award winners recognized at ROI’s 2023 Annual Report to the Region

Photo Gallery: ROI Annual Report to the Region

Posted on April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

Smiles were big and excitement for the future of a Region on the Rise filled the air during ROI's Annual Report to the Region at the French Lick Resort Conference Center on April 13. All day ROI celebrated the hard work, innovation, and collaboration that is moving the Indiana Uplands towards a more prosperous future. … Continue reading Photo Gallery: ROI Annual Report to the Region

‘Everyone is a maker’: Dreams become reality in digital fabrication labs throughout Uplands

Posted on January 28, 2023August 31, 2023 by Suzannah Couch

In the Uplands Fab Lab Network, teachers and students alike are learning that the limits are endless for those eager to learn new technology and use the fabrication equipment.

Author: Suzannah Couch