News

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

ROI’s STEM Fellowship grows to 131 educators

Seventh cohort includes 22 Indiana Uplands educators working to advance science, technology, engineering, and math in K-6 schools. ROI is pleased to announce its seventh STEM Fellowship cohort. The 22 K-6 educators chosen will begin their fellowship year in August 2024, bringing the total number to 131 Fellows working to grow high-quality science, technology, engineering, … Continue reading ROI’s STEM Fellowship grows to 131 educators

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 awarded Career Coaching Grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has selected 28 organizations from across the state for the Career Coaching Grant, including Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI). This opportunity will provide students with comprehensive resources to make informed decisions about college and careers. “To assure Indiana’s talent pipeline is aware of and prepared for high-demand careers, it is … Continue reading ROI awarded Career Coaching Grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education

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