In a region where housing of all types and sizes is needed to support a growing workforce, one new build in Martin County represents more than a home — it marks a turning point in how communities can approach growth and infill housing. The Indiana Uplands Regional Land Bank is leading the single-family home build … Continue reading From blight to build: New collaboration targets housing in Martin County
To strengthen pathways from the classroom to college, careers, and beyond, Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is pleased to announce the fifth cohort of its Career Coaching Fellowship. This cohort brings together expertise from counseling, teaching, and work‑based learning, and includes twenty‑three individuals from across the Indiana Uplands during the 2026–2027 academic year. This year‑long fellowship … Continue reading Newest Career Coaching Fellowship cohort welcomes 23 educators
Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is proud to announce its newest STEM Fellowship cohort. The 17 selected educators in Cohort 9 will begin their fellowship year in July 2026, bringing the total number to 166 Fellows working to grow high-quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning throughout the Indiana Uplands region. STEM Fellow alumni will … Continue reading 17 educators selected for new STEM Fellowship cohort
Running a business as a high school student is no easy task, but across the Indiana Uplands, young entrepreneurs are stepping up to the challenge every school day. That shared experience brought these young Uplanders together on April 14 to learn from one another and sharpen their skills. Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), in partnership with … Continue reading PHOTO GALLERIES: Uplands Made 2026
Save the date for ROI’s Annual Report to the Region on October 2 at French Lick Resort. Stay tuned for more event details!
What started as an apprenticeship with RTC Communications, designed to show a young person what a career could look like with a rural fiber internet provider in the Indiana Uplands, soon grew into a lasting relationship. Bringing with him a sincere curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn, Ryder Craig, an UpSkill … Continue reading From UpSkill apprentice to essential employee: Ryder Craig celebrated
Earlier this month, the town of Ellettsville cut the ribbon on its newest gift to the community: the Heritage Center at Stewart Park. The Heritage Center honors the history of Stewart Park while looking to the future, transforming the footprint of the historic barn into a gathering place and cultural facility where the community can … Continue reading A welcome holiday gift: Ribbon cut on Ellettsville Heritage Center
Since 2017, ROI’s Ready Schools initiative has supported 18 school districts in implementing transformative, long-term strategies that prepare students for success in post-secondary education and high-demand careers. By engaging local stakeholders and employers, this initiative drives systemic change and aligns K-12 curricula and programs with the region’s evolving workforce needs. Participating school districts focus on … Continue reading Academy launches to elevate Ready Schools collaboration and impact
This winter will be bright for Ayla and Gabe Lindsey as they watch their two young sons experience the magic of the holidays in their new home nestled in the French Lick Klondike Subdivision. Not far from Ayla and Gabe, Lori Atsedes looks forward to hosting holiday parties in her new home, where she can … Continue reading New home for the holidays: Meet Klondike Subdivision’s newest residents
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
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
Muralist Adam Long was busy in the Indiana Uplands region this month. In fact, Long keeps busy in the Uplands almost every month, filling nearly every county with color and light as he drapes the sides of buildings and walls of businesses with his bright, unique artistic style. This month’s project: the first phase of … Continue reading Creating community connections: Muralist fills region with color
$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.
Shoals High School student Isaac Johnson’s experience at ROI’s free Soldering Camp led him to the realization that this precise, hands-on skill would help him if he wanted to work in engineering – or more specifically: On airplanes. “This camp changed the way I think about technology and future careers,” Johnson said. Johnson was one … Continue reading Igniting knowledge: High schoolers, parent reflect on soldering camp
