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 others in the Uplands provide students with opportunities to learn about and prepare for post-secondary careers while helping employers build strong talent pipelines. Attendees will learn about what it takes to effectively implement this innovative model 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.
Michi McClaine is Vice President of Talent Development for Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), where she leads strategies that align education, workforce preparation, and economic opportunity across the Indiana Uplands. She oversees ROI MOMENTUM, an initiative that brings together students, educators, and employers to develop the skilled workforce needed for Indiana’s growing microelectronics ecosystem and national security sector, including the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Academy.
Since joining ROI in 2017, McClaine has worked with schools, higher education institutions, employers, and community partners to expand career exploration, increase access to workplace experiences, and align student learning with emerging industries. Prior to ROI, she served as District Transition Coordinator for Monroe County Community School Corporation and Principal of University Elementary School. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University Bloomington.