READI 2.0 investments take off in Indiana Uplands Region with new $45 million Regional Wellness Center

The new 90,000-square-foot facility will be constructed on 10 acres adjacent to the Parklands and Jasper High School, with plans currently including a large fitness center, four full-court gymnasiums, an indoor aquatic center, an indoor walking track, group exercise studios, and community rooms, including a community kitchen. 

New outdoor classroom inspiring exploration and learning for young students

Brown County Early Education Center leverages READI 1.0 funding to add high-quality learning environment and increase capacity. From riding around the race track on trikes and striders to using an outdoor play kitchen, small students are achieving big developmental goals.  In August, the Brown County Early Education Center (EEC) opened a new outdoor learning classroom … Continue reading New outdoor classroom inspiring exploration and learning for young students

Photo Galleries: STEM and Career Coaching Fellowships

The start of the academic school year is an exciting time for ROI! We've recently kicked off the 2024-2025 cohorts in our STEM Fellowship, Career Coaching Fellowship, and UpSkill Work & Learn programs. These programs enable schools, educators, and counselors to expose students from an early age through high school to the many career opportunities … Continue reading Photo Galleries: STEM and Career Coaching Fellowships

ROI welcomes Julie Halbig as Vice President for Economic and Community Development

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is pleased to announce that Julie Halbig will assume responsibility for its quality of place programming in the Indiana Uplands. Julie Halbig began her role on August 26 as Vice President for Economic and Community Development. ROI’s quality of place programs span across initiatives, including housing, transportation, infrastructure, digital inclusion, and … Continue reading ROI welcomes Julie Halbig as Vice President for Economic and Community Development

Digital Towns connection check-in with Salem

Photo courtesy of Washington County Community Foundation Accessing free public WiFi continues to get easier in the Indiana Uplands as communities use Digital Towns grant funding to provide this essential component of a thriving community. Earlier this summer, Salem held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate free public WiFi available throughout the city.  Free WiFi is … Continue reading Digital Towns connection check-in with Salem

READI 1.0 project in Huntingburg activates alley and downtown connections

If you look down Huntingburg's recently renovated alley on 4th Street around lunchtime, you will often see a variety of residents and visitors sitting and enjoying their time together. It's an example of cultural convergence in this Indiana Uplands city and one of the reasons why Huntingburg is special, according to Mayor Neil Elkins. "It’s … Continue reading READI 1.0 project in Huntingburg activates alley and downtown connections

ROI celebrates third UpSkill cohort with signing day

Last week, ROI hosted an orientation and signing day experience for students and employers participating in the third cohort of the UpSkill Work and Learn Youth Apprenticeship program. With the stroke of a pen, 31 new students officially embarked on their journey into the modern youth apprenticeship experience. UpSkill provides selected high school students with … Continue reading ROI celebrates third UpSkill cohort with signing day

MCCSC is full ‘STEAM’ ahead in Ready Schools Initiative

On the last Friday of the school year, a line of eager Bloomington High School South students is already forming before the doors open to The ScholarSips Cafe. Some students place their orders on a new mobile app, and a tasty drink awaits them on the counter as they walk into the shop, which can … Continue reading MCCSC is full ‘STEAM’ ahead in Ready Schools Initiative

Apply now to be our next VP for Community & Economic Development

Congratulations to our colleague Lisa Abbott, whose last day at ROI will be May 30! In preparation for a big move to Colorado she’s been planning with her husband, Lisa has taken on a new career role to make her transition out west easier. Lisa has interacted with many #Uplanders in her time with ROI … Continue reading Apply now to be our next VP for Community & Economic Development

Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Brayden Hudson

This is Brayden Hudson’s second year as an UpSkill apprentice. He works for SAIC, a military defense contractor in Bedford. Hudson He said he wanted to apply for an apprenticeship with UpSkill because he wanted to open up more career opportunities for himself. The best part about UpSkill has been the “invaluable experience” Hudson has … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Brayden Hudson