October 2, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Session Description
Partnerships between local high schools and regional employers through high school academies like the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Academy and Southridge High School’s CRAFTED by OFS Academy provide students with opportunities to learn about and prepare for post-secondary careers while helping employers build strong talent pipelines. Attendees will learn what it takes to implement this innovative model effectively and maintain strong partnerships between education and employers.
Session Presenters
Greg Gogel is Principal of Southridge High School, where he has led efforts to expand college and career readiness opportunities for students through innovative partnerships, dual-credit programming, and work-based learning experiences. An educator and administrator with nearly two decades of experience, Gogel previously served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, athletic director, and middle school principal before assuming his current role at Southridge High School.
Under Gogel’s leadership, Southridge has been designated an Early College High School and has expanded career-focused programs through partnerships such as the Toyota 4T Academy and OFS Crafted Academy. These initiatives provide students with industry-recognized credentials, Ivy Tech dual credit, paid internships, and direct pathways to employment and continued education. In 2026, Gogel was recognized as Indiana District 11 Principal of the Year and Hanover College’s Exceptional Alumni Educator of the Year.
Joel Karl is the coordinator and an instructor for the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Academy, part of ROI’s MOMENTUM workforce development program. Before joining this work, he spent 10 years as an educator, primarily teaching high school science and computer science. Today, he brings a learning-focused perspective to build stronger connections between schools and the region’s growing microelectronics industry. Joel works alongside educators, employers, and community partners to create an Academy environment rich in hands-on learning experiences and career pathways that help students see how their interests and skills can lead to meaningful, high-tech careers right here in the Indiana Uplands.
Dr. Shelley Christmas is Superintendent of Loogootee Community Schools, where she leads district-wide efforts to advance student achievement, workforce readiness, and innovative learning opportunities. A partner district in the ROI MOMENTUM Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Academy, Loogootee Community Schools provides students with access to hands-on learning, dual-credit coursework, industry-recognized credentials, and career exploration opportunities in the growing microelectronics sector. During her nearly three decades with the district, Christmas has served as a teacher, Director of Curriculum and Technology, Assistant Superintendent, and now Superintendent.
Throughout her career, Christmas has supported STEM education, project-based learning, and career-connected experiences that prepare students for success beyond graduation. She has worked closely with partners including NSWC Crane, Purdue SCALE, Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), and regional employers to expand access to high-demand fields. She has also secured more than $2 million in grant funding to support innovative programs, technology investments, and hands-on learning experiences.
Jason Diekhoff is Director of the CRAFTED by OFS Academy, connecting local school systems with hands-on learning experiences and career pathways in manufacturing. A native of the Huntingburg area and graduate of Southridge High School, Diekhoff attended Purdue University for Electrical Engineering before beginning a career in electronics component sales. After returning to the area in 2000, Diekhoff joined OFS, where he has held positions in engineering and management. Drawing on more than two decades of industry experience, he now works with educators and students to help prepare the next generation of manufacturing talent.
Lucas Helderman is a senior at Loogootee High School, a student in the ROI MOMENTUM Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Academy, and an UpSkill Work & Learn apprentice at Artisan Electronics. Through the Academy and apprenticeship, he is gaining hands-on experience in microelectronics and advanced manufacturing while exploring future career opportunities in the field.
Michi McClaine is the Vice President of Talent Development at Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI). In this role, she leads ROI’s education and workforce portfolio of initiatives, and works closely with key stakeholders and partners at the regional and state level. Before joining ROI, Michi worked for over 20 years in education as a teacher, principal, and at the district level coordinating various initiatives. She holds a master’s degree from Indiana University in Educational Leadership.
Since joining ROI, McClaine has worked extensively with K12 school districts, higher education institutions, employers, and community partners to align programming with key sector emerging technologies and workforce demands.