News

UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Owen Snyder

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23, Regional Opportunity Initiatives is excited to share the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, providing valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path … Continue reading UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Owen Snyder

UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Sophie McDuffee

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 17-23), Regional Opportunity Initiatives is thrilled to highlight the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, offering valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path … Continue reading UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Sophie McDuffee

UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Ethan Scott

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23, Regional Opportunity Initiatives is excited to share the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, providing valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path … Continue reading UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Ethan Scott

Officials cut ribbon on multi-use Commons venue in downtown Washington

Officials in Daviess County and the city of Washington set the stage for continued revitalization and renewal of the Daviess County region with the official ribbon-cutting of the $3.1 million Commons facility on November 8. “The city of Washington has already taken several steps toward an energized downtown, and this formal ribbon-cutting will accelerate that movement right in the heart of the city,” said Washington Mayor David Rhoads.

READI 2.0 Award to Power Microelectronics Industry, Innovation, Talent Pipeline in Indiana

The Indiana Uplands READI steering committee and Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) today announced the allocation of READI 2.0 funding to advance Indiana University’s microelectronics research and development capabilities, enabling the development of resilient microchips and supporting the growth of the microelectronics sector in the region and across Indiana.  

Third cohort of ROI Career Coaching Fellowship launches for 2024-2025 academic year

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) has launched the third cohort of its Career Coaching Fellowship. Twenty-two individuals serving across the Indiana Uplands as school counselors, career coaches, work-based and internship coordinators, teachers, and adult educators are participating in the 2024-2025 academic year. This year-long program focuses on developing regionally relevant career connections for students and articulated … Continue reading Third cohort of ROI Career Coaching Fellowship launches for 2024-2025 academic year

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

ROI awarded three-year $9.5 million DoD contract to advance microelectronics education and workforce training opportunities across the Indiana Uplands

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) has been awarded a three-year contract for $9,577,447 million for its multi-layered microelectronics (ME) workforce initiative. The project, funded through the Department of Defense (DoD)’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, supports the National Defense Industrial Strategy’s priorities of enhancing Supply Chain Resilience and Workforce Readiness. ROI’s multi-year approach may … Continue reading ROI awarded three-year $9.5 million DoD contract to advance microelectronics education and workforce training opportunities across the Indiana Uplands

READI Video Highlights: Texas Pike Place, WestGate@Crane, & Longfellow Park

Our region is on the way UP! Check out this new IEDC video to see highlights from 3 of our region’s 27 READI 1.0 projects: Spencer Texas Pike Place, WestGate@Crane Technology Park, and footage of the Washington Longfellow Park All-Inclusive Playground. https://vimeo.com/1006937446 For more updates on the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative in the … Continue reading READI Video Highlights: Texas Pike Place, WestGate@Crane, & Longfellow Park

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