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

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

Posted on 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 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 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

EAGLE CORNER: Career Connected Learning offering apprenticeships to local students

Posted on 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

Inaugural participants in Ivy Tech Department of Defense Logistics program recognized at special event at NSA Crane

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

On May 16, representatives from Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington, and Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC-Crane) hosted a special recognition lunch at Naval Support Activity Crane for the seven inaugural participants in the Supply Chain Management - Department of Defense Military Certificate program.

UpSkill Work & Learn: A Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program

Posted on 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 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

Digital Towns grant opportunity opens

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

ROI has opened a grant opportunity to implement strategies that improve digital equity and inclusion in the Indiana Uplands. Grant amounts: $5,000 – $50,000, or $100,000 for projects with a regional scope, serving all 11 counties of the Uplands. Applications due May 23, 2023. Download the Digital Towns Grant Guidelines (PDF).Download the Digital Towns Informational Slides … Continue reading Digital Towns grant opportunity opens