Regional Opportunity Initiatives

Indiana’s Applied Research Institute unveils new name and brand; awards first contract to Purdue University

Posted on April 25, 2018April 27, 2018 by Betsy Trotzke

Team of researchers from Purdue University, Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame to collaborate on trusted microelectronics project INDIANAPOLIS (April 25, 2018) ─ The Applied Research Institute (ARI), a non-profit organization supported by the Governor of Indiana, presidents of top research universities, and industry leaders and working in collaboration with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane … Continue reading Indiana’s Applied Research Institute unveils new name and brand; awards first contract to Purdue University

You’re Invited! ROI Annual Report to the Region

Posted on March 23, 2018April 10, 2018 by Betsy Trotzke

Please join Regional Opportunity Initiatives for our second Annual Report to the Region as we celebrate the hard work, innovation, and collaboration that is moving this region toward a more prosperous future.

IU Bloomington Center for Rural Engagement receives $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Posted on March 5, 2018March 6, 2018 by Betsy Trotzke

Indiana University Bloomington is strengthening existing collaborations and forging new partnerships throughout southwest central Indiana with the launch of the Center for Rural Engagement.

Ready Schools visit Columbus Signature Academy

Posted on February 22, 2018March 5, 2018 by Betsy Trotzke

Team members from Brown County Schools, Loogootee Community Schools, Northwest Dubois County School Corporation, and Southeast Dubois County School Corporation recently visited Columbus Signature Academy, a New Tech Network school.

STEM Fellows tour IVY Tech labs, discover new ways to integrate technology in the classroom

Posted on February 14, 2018February 14, 2018 by Betsy Trotzke

On Thursday, February 8, ROI's hosted a workshop for its first cohort of 15 STEM Fellows. The group gathered at Ivy Tech to discover new ways to integrate technology into education.

Applied Research Institute is hiring!

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Betsy Trotzke

Applied Research Institute is hiring two new positions: a Director of Strategic Partnerships and Outreach and a Senior Program Manager.

Eastern Greene 4th Graders explore Goose Pond whooping cranes

Posted on February 6, 2018February 7, 2018 by Betsy Trotzke

ROI STEM Fellow Mandy Buskirk's 4th-grade class is getting a very special look at whooping cranes.

Crane Workplace Simulation Project gives students real-world STEM experiences

Posted on January 31, 2018January 31, 2018 by Betsy Trotzke

On Friday, January 23, Bloomfield High School hosted ROI to see this year’s Crane Workplace Simulation Project presentations. The semester-long program pairs volunteers from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, with students to actively engage in projects that prepare them for what STEM-related careers are like. The Workplace Simulation Project was launched in the Bloomfield School … Continue reading Crane Workplace Simulation Project gives students real-world STEM experiences

Ready Schools explore applied manufacturing and engineering centers at VU & USI

Posted on January 24, 2018January 24, 2018 by Betsy Trotzke

On January 19, ROI's Ready Schools District Coordinators visited Vincennes University and the University of Southern Indiana to explore learning environments for students pursuing pathways in engineering, manufacturing, and machining. District coordinators toured VU’s Advanced CNC Machining & Programming facilities and the Hurco Training Center (HTC) used by students pursuing pathways in automated manufacturing and machining. … Continue reading Ready Schools explore applied manufacturing and engineering centers at VU & USI

Skill UP! work-based learning provides authentic job experiences & soft skill development

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Work-based learning has become a popular term among employers, educators, and education policy-makers. Loosely defined, work-based learning is an educational experience that engages students in a work experience while he or she completes a course of study. The experience allows students to build technical and professional skills and gain invaluable industry experience, while they earn … Continue reading Skill UP! work-based learning provides authentic job experiences & soft skill development

Southwest Central Indiana schools awarded Lilly Endowment counseling grants

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Three school districts and one charter school in Southwest Central Indiana were awarded grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. to implement strategies to strengthen school counseling programs for their students. Brown County Schools, Bloomington Project School, Monroe County Community School Corporation, and Orleans Community School Corporation were among 52 Indiana school corporations and charter schools selected … Continue reading Southwest Central Indiana schools awarded Lilly Endowment counseling grants

Ready Schools visit student-run machine shop

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

The ROI team and the 2017 cohort of Ready Schools recently joined the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) for a visit to Cardinal Manufacturing at Eleva-Strum Schools in Strum, Wisconsin. Cardinal Manufacturing is a student-run machine shop that teaches students needed technical or soft skills. These high school students learn to manage a … Continue reading Ready Schools visit student-run machine shop

ROI welcomes Brian D. Blackwell as Director of Industry and Quality of Place Initiatives

Posted on October 25, 2017August 13, 2019 by Betsy Trotzke

Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. (ROI) is proud to announce and welcome Brian D. Blackwell as Director of Industry and Quality of Place Initiatives.

ROI awards $275,000 in grants to community foundations for out-of-school STEM learning opportunities

Posted on September 14, 2017September 15, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Community Foundations in each of the 11 counties to sub-grant funds for existing STEM programs or new out-of-school programs BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc., has announced a new grant opportunity to advance K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning in all of Southwest Central Indiana’s 11 counties. Facilitated through each of Southwest … Continue reading ROI awards $275,000 in grants to community foundations for out-of-school STEM learning opportunities

New Indiana-based Applied Research Institute forms significant board; funds first major project

Posted on August 31, 2017October 25, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Leaders from Indiana government, the state’s largest military asset, industry and research universities have established the Applied Research Institute (ARI).

Boot camp allows educators to explore work environments in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and defense industries

Posted on July 24, 2017September 18, 2019 by Betsy Trotzke

Externship program gives teachers opportunity to learn about careers in Southwest Central Indiana’s key industry sectors. Fifty-four educators from eight Southwest Central Indiana counties participated in a week-long Educator Boot Camp in June. Educators experienced work environments on site at regional industry employers in the advanced manufacturing, life sciences and national security and defense sectors. … Continue reading Boot camp allows educators to explore work environments in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and defense industries

Six Southwest Central Indiana school districts and communities selected for first cohort of ROI Ready Schools Initiative

Posted on July 21, 2017July 21, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

ROI is pleased to announce that six Southwest Central Indiana school districts will comprise the inaugural cohort of the Ready Schools Initiative.

Fifteen school teachers selected for regional STEM Fellows program

Posted on July 20, 2017July 25, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Fifteen Southwest Central Indiana K-6 school teachers have been selected to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities in regional elementary schools.

Dartlet and Fourth Economy selected to develop Southwest Central Indiana competitive identity strategy

Posted on June 29, 2017June 29, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Dartlet and Fourth Economy have been selected to develop a competitive identity strategy for Southwest Central Indiana. The two organizations will work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop a strong, unifying regional identity and position Southwest Central Indiana as a desirable place for businesses and individuals to work, live, play and invest.

June 29, 2017: Results of I69 Interchange Analyses – Southwest Central Indiana

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Understanding the Potential of I69 Interchanges in SWCI Learn about the potential that I69 interchange development might offer our region. HWC Engineering will share findings of their I69 interchange analyses informed both by stakeholder feedback and an in-depth review of the interchanges in Daviess, Greene and Monroe counties. This presentation will include a panel discussion … Continue reading June 29, 2017: Results of I69 Interchange Analyses – Southwest Central Indiana

Graduation and career coaches go behind the scenes at Jasper Engines

Posted on May 18, 2017July 25, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

ROI’s graduation and career coaches got a unique opportunity to tour Jasper Engines and Transmissions on May 17.

ROI Introduces Regional Council and New Initiatives at Its First Annual Report to the Region

Posted on May 16, 2017May 17, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc., introduced a new Regional Council, and a series of education, workforce and quality of life initiatives at its first Annual Report to the Region held on April 26 in French Lick, IN.

Graduation and Career Coaches Open Possibilities for SWCI High School Students

Posted on May 11, 2017May 17, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

A partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, the ROI graduation and career coaching pilot initiative began at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year in 11 high schools in Southwest Central Indiana. Coaches work closely with at-risk students to create individualized high school completion plans, ensure students attend school and fulfill academic requirements, and introduce them … Continue reading Graduation and Career Coaches Open Possibilities for SWCI High School Students

ROI Annual Report to the Region

Posted on April 11, 2017June 6, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Join us for our first annual report to the region! Wed, April 26, 2017 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM EDT French Lick Resort Event Center 8670 Indiana 56 French Lick, IN 47432 Register Now! Agenda: 9:30 to 11:00: ROI’s Annual Report to the Region This year’s report to the region will focus on learnings from … Continue reading ROI Annual Report to the Region

Graduation & career coaches tour NSWC Crane

Posted on March 9, 2017July 25, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Joined by educators, school counselors, and administrators, ROI’s graduation and career coaches got a unique opportunity to tour Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division facilities on Thursday, March 9. The tour allowed educators from Southwest Central Indiana to see operations first-hand. Graduation and career coaches will use the experience to inform students of employment opportunities and assist … Continue reading Graduation & career coaches tour NSWC Crane

IU Bloomington provost gives update on Rural Center in state of campus address

Posted on March 9, 2017July 25, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Provost and Executive Vice President Lauren Robel previewed the IU Center for Rural Excellence in her 2017 State of the Campus address on Tuesday, March 7: Provost highlights progress, plans in State of the Campus address by Steve Hinnefeld, IU Communications A proposed Center for Rural Excellence would focus Indiana University resources and expertise on … Continue reading IU Bloomington provost gives update on Rural Center in state of campus address

Open House: March 7, 2017

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County & Regional Opportunity Initiatives invite you to our new offices for a special ribbon cutting and open house. Tuesday, March 7, 2017 4:00-6:30 p.m. 100 S. College Ave., Suite 240 Bloomington, IN 47404 Directions We are located in downtown Bloomington on the 2nd floor of the Chase Building … Continue reading Open House: March 7, 2017

Graduation & Career Coaches Go Behind The Scenes at Cook

Posted on January 20, 2017March 27, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Joined by educators, school counselors, and administrators, ROI’s graduation and career coaches got a unique opportunity to tour Cook Medical facilities in Bloomington on Friday, January 20. The behind-the-scenes tour allowed educators from Southwest Central Indiana to see operations first-hand. Graduation and career coaches will use the experience to inform students to employment opportunities and assist in developing industry-aligned … Continue reading Graduation & Career Coaches Go Behind The Scenes at Cook

ROI Awarded $134,000 Grant from DWD to Develop Information Technology Work-based Learning Opportunities

Posted on October 21, 2016April 26, 2019 by Betsy Trotzke

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced on Thursday that Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. (ROI) and its regional partners have been awarded a Skill UP Indiana! grant of $134,228. The grant will be used to create internship opportunities across multiple industry sectors in Southwest Central Indiana. The outcome of such experiences … Continue reading ROI Awarded $134,000 Grant from DWD to Develop Information Technology Work-based Learning Opportunities

Three More School Districts Sign on to Participate in Graduation and Career Coaching Initiative

Posted on October 19, 2016March 27, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. (ROI) recently added two new public school districts to its graduation and career coaching initiative.

ROI and Ivy Tech Receive Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Award

Posted on September 22, 2016October 21, 2016 by Betsy Trotzke

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Today, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce announced Regional Opportunity Initiatives and Ivy Tech - Bloomington as the 2016 Franklin Initiative Golden Key Award recipients in recognition of the graduation and career coaching initiative. Ivy Tech - Bloomington Chancellor Jennie Vaughan and ROI Interim CEO Tina Peterson accepted the awards at the Chamber's … Continue reading ROI and Ivy Tech Receive Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Award

ROI Welcomes Graduation and Career Coaches

Posted on August 19, 2016March 27, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) welcomed six new graduation and career coaches who will begin working in Southwest Central Indiana schools this fall. ROI, in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington, is launching the pilot graduation and career coaching program in nine public school districts. Working closely with school administrators and counseling teams, the coaches will … Continue reading ROI Welcomes Graduation and Career Coaches

ROI Conducting Occupational Needs Assessment in Southwest Central Indiana’s Three Key Sectors

Posted on July 7, 2016July 8, 2016 by Betsy Trotzke

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. (ROI), is conducting an occupational needs assessment in the life sciences, national security and defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors in the 11-county region of Southwest Central Indiana. As part of the occupational needs assessment, ROI sector specialists will be meeting with a variety of industry partners throughout the … Continue reading ROI Conducting Occupational Needs Assessment in Southwest Central Indiana’s Three Key Sectors

ROI Launching Graduation and Career Coaching Initiative in Southwest Central Indiana School Districts

Posted on June 10, 2016January 20, 2017 by Betsy Trotzke

Initiative aimed at improving graduation rates and increasing the number of students pursuing post-secondary education. BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. (ROI), has announced its first education initiative to support economic and community prosperity in the Southwest Central Indiana region. ROI, in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington, is launching a pilot … Continue reading ROI Launching Graduation and Career Coaching Initiative in Southwest Central Indiana School Districts

Southwest Central Indiana Announces Launch of Regional Development Initiatives

Posted on March 4, 2016July 11, 2016 by Betsy Trotzke

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Strategic Vision for Southwest Central Indiana Released

Posted on November 25, 2014July 7, 2016 by Betsy Trotzke

After more than a year of research, planning, and community engagement, stakeholders in southwest central Indiana announced today the completion of a regional economic development strategy aimed at fostering new growth and capitalizing on existing assets in the region