Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) has selected Eastern Greene Schools and Washington Community Schools for participation in the fifth cohort of its Ready Schools initiative. Through this keystone ROI program, each school district will receive a development grant to participate during the 2026-27 school year.
Arts and culture in the Indiana Uplands are receiving a significant boost through more than $4.17 million in READI 2.0 Arts & Culture grants. These investments will support a range of initiatives designed to strengthen the region's creative economy, including an arts incubator, production hubs, public art, music performances, and an online platform connecting artists, … Continue reading Indiana Uplands awarded $4.176 million in READI 2.0 Arts & Culture grants
Save the date for ROI’s Annual Report to the Region on October 2 at French Lick Resort. Stay tuned for more event details!
The Indiana Business Journal recently featured ROI’s new Indiana Uplands Microelectronics program. MOMENTUM: Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Workforce Development is the name for ROI’s portfolio of regional ME programs, including the ME Training Hub, ME Academy, soldering training, and curriculum development. Read the IBJ's full story, Building momentum, building talent, to learn about the High School ME … Continue reading ROI’s MOMENTUM program featured in Indianapolis Business Journal
Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) was announced today as one of 12 regional organizations to serve as liaisons for student and school participation in the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP), a new pathway to prepare Hoosiers for in-demand careers and help Indiana businesses find and train employees. ROI is grateful to the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation … Continue reading ROI selected to serve as Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) Connector
On September 29, regional leaders, educators, students, and industry partners came together at WestGate@Crane Technology Park to celebrate the launch of the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Training Hub. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era of opportunity for students and workers across the region, creating a direct pathway into one of the most critical … Continue reading Photo Gallery: ME Training Hub and ME Academy Signing Ceremony
New hub and academy align ME training opportunities with defense and industry workforce needs BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Industry leaders, defense partners, educators, students, families, and local officials joined together on September 29 to celebrate the opening of the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics (ME) Training Hub at the WestGate@Crane Technology Park, a milestone in building the region’s … Continue reading ROI launches Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Training Hub at WestGate@Crane with ribbon cutting
$4,093,000 in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funding has been committed to leverage investments for housing developments in Huntingburg and Leavenworth, childcare expansion in Nashville, and hospital improvements in Washington.
$600,000 in READI 2.0 allocations will leverage investments for Oak Street Village, which will feature 50 rental units and childcare facility. On Friday, July 18, Governor Mike Braun joined local and regional officials for a groundbreaking ceremony held for a new affordable multi-family housing community coming to the City of Loogootee in Martin County. Sullivan … Continue reading Developers break ground on new affordable housing community coming to Loogootee
Yesterday, ROI proudly celebrated a powerful milestone with the fourth cohort of its UpSkill Work & Learn program. Fifty-three high school students took a bold step toward their futures, committing to paid apprenticeships that blend hands-on experience, college coursework, and industry-recognized credentials.
When ROI completed the 2023 Indiana Uplands Housing Study Update, it emphasized a consistent need across all 11 counties for strategies to address infill and small-scale development, including home rehabilitation. To address this need, ROI launched a new housing initiative earlier this year in collaboration with the Incremental Development Alliance (IDA), a national nonprofit organization … Continue reading Incremental development program aims to increase housing, strengthen communities
In May, IU’s Center for Rural Engagement delivered a stellar two-day conference focused on the issues of greatest importance to Indiana’s rural communities.
April 30 marks National Apprenticeship Day 2025, a nationwide celebration of the role apprenticeships play in preparing workers for successful careers through real-world experiences.
Two professional development fellowship opportunities for Indiana Uplands educators are open through April 18 for the 2025-2026 school year. The STEM Fellowship is a 10-month professional development program to support elementary educators in developing innovative STEM teaching practices and leadership skills. The 2025-26 STEM Fellowship will be designed for upper elementary and middle school educators … Continue reading Nominations due Apr 18 for Career Coaching and STEM Fellowships
The future of business is here in the Indiana Uplands — and it’s student-run! More than 250 student entrepreneurs and educators from 12 schools gathered in Jasper on April 9 for ROI's 4th annual Uplands Made Conference. This event provides students opportunities learning, networking, presenting and showing off their products and skills.
