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

Step by step: Monon South Trail on path to completion

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Spring has arrived in the Indiana Uplands. Uplanders know springtime is one of the best seasons to stroll along a trail, enjoying all the natural beauty the region offers. Soon, Uplanders and visitors alike will have the opportunity to take extended walks through multiple communities without leaving a path along the Monon South Regional Trail. … Continue reading Step by step: Monon South Trail on path to completion

Co-workers become neighbors in Spencer housing development

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Within a month, Donald Grocki graduated from college, landed a full-time job as a systems engineer with Cook Medical, and bought his first home in the Indiana Uplands.  Grocki is one of the newest residents in the Texas Pike Place neighborhood in Owen County, the latest workforce housing project developed by Cook Group. The 99 … Continue reading Co-workers become neighbors in Spencer housing development

A place for everyone: Banneker Community Center

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

One by one and two by two, children and parents entered the bright kitchen filled with shiny kitchen appliances at Banneker Community Center. Some kids had their aprons on. One dad helped his daughter tie her apron as more chairs were brought in to meet the growing number of little chefs signed up for the … Continue reading A place for everyone: Banneker Community Center

Bright colors, community pride: Murals make Indiana Uplands shine

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

We're the Indiana Uplands, where the arts thrive in many forms -- unique art galleries, historic theaters, music festivals, and artisan fairs. Of course we have beautiful, eye-popping murals in our communities! From colorful murals displaying historic figures to picturesque paintings on the side of buildings welcoming visitors to communities, you will find awe-inspiring art … Continue reading Bright colors, community pride: Murals make Indiana Uplands shine

Students, parents, and employers see momentum with UpSkill youth apprenticeship program

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

When college freshman Ethan Scott graduates from the Indiana University Luddy School, he will already have five years of work experience in the world of information technology. While in high school, Ethan began working as an IT support technician for Five Star Technology Solutions through ROI’s UpSkill Work and Learn modern youth apprenticeship program that … Continue reading Students, parents, and employers see momentum with UpSkill youth apprenticeship program

Residents gather to celebrate ribbon cutting of downtown Jasper square

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

With a ribbon cutting, live music, games, and food, the city of Jasper residents celebrated the completion of the renovated Downtown Square earlier this month. For years, the City of Jasper worked to develop a plan to replace the historic courthouse square infrastructure and revitalize the downtown area. Nearly $250,000 in READI funding is being used to … Continue reading Residents gather to celebrate ribbon cutting of downtown Jasper square

Selling school spirit, snacks, and smiles: Puphouse Bookstore at Orleans Elementary School

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

With quarters in hand, Orleans Elementary School students surround the table at Puphouse Bookstore three times a week, eagerly awaiting their turn to buy stickers, pencils, snacks, and Bulldog merchandise from classmates. There is no need to advertise when the Puphouse will open because kids just find out, said Orleans Elementary School STEM Teacher Anna … Continue reading Selling school spirit, snacks, and smiles: Puphouse Bookstore at Orleans Elementary School

Connected community: MYPath project makes strides in Owen County, sets goals for regional impact

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

On an overcast Wednesday morning, nine people gathered at the Riverfront Trailhead of the MYPath Trail System in Owen County.  The rain held off for the group’s mile-long walk along the Riverfront Trail that winds by the White River, into the wetlands restoration area, and through a lowland reforestation project before looping back around to … Continue reading Connected community: MYPath project makes strides in Owen County, sets goals for regional impact

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

Posted on 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