October 2, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Session Description
Work-Based Learning is an integral part of Indiana’s new high school diploma for all students. Come learn about the new diploma requirements and hear from school leaders, employers, and students about innovative work-based learning strategies happening in the Indiana Uplands.
Session Presenters
Rebekah Frazer is Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Academic Advising at the Indiana Department of Education, where she supports statewide implementation of Indiana’s Career Coaching and Navigation Framework. She works with schools, regional partners, and state agencies to strengthen academic advising, career readiness, and postsecondary planning, helping ensure students have access to high-quality career exploration and work-based learning opportunities.
Frazer brings more than a decade of experience as a school counselor, guidance director, and licensed mental health counselor. Her work has focused on helping students navigate academic and career pathways while supporting educators through professional development, technical assistance, and implementation of statewide initiatives.
Mark Murphy is President of PRD, Inc., a custom plastic injection molding company in Springville, Indiana, where he has spent more than 30 years progressing through roles in quality, engineering, operations, and executive leadership.
Mark is actively involved in strengthening Indiana’s advanced manufacturing workforce and expanding work-based learning opportunities for young people. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Manufacturers Association for Plastic Processors (MAPP) and participates in advanced manufacturing and workforce-development initiatives with Conexus Indiana and other industry partners.
At PRD, Mark has helped launch the company’s youth apprenticeship program, giving high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of an injection molding operation while developing both technical and professional skills. He is a strong advocate for apprenticeship models that are practical for employers, particularly small and mid-sized manufacturers, and that provide students with a meaningful pathway into high-skill manufacturing careers.
Mark holds a degree in Computer Integrated Manufacturing Technology from Indiana State University and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Kale Woodward is a high school student and UpSkill Work and Learn apprentice with PRD, Inc.
Emily Menkedick is Director of Innovative Learning for Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), where she leads initiatives that align learning experiences with employer demand and postsecondary success across the Indiana Uplands. She works closely with K-12 schools, employers, and community partners to expand work-based learning opportunities and increase access to authentic workplace experiences for students.
Menkedick brings nearly 20 years of experience in education, instructional leadership, and program development. Before joining ROI in 2019, she served as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, district instructional coach, and assistant principal with Monroe County Community School Corporation. Throughout her career, she has focused on supporting student achievement, advancing educator development, and implementing innovative learning experiences.