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ROI selected to serve as Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) Connector

Posted on October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) was announced today as one of 12 regional organizations to serve as liaisons for student and school participation in the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP), a new pathway to prepare Hoosiers for in-demand careers and help Indiana businesses find and train employees. ROI is grateful to the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation … Continue reading ROI selected to serve as Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) Connector

Photo Gallery: ME Training Hub and ME Academy Signing Ceremony

Posted on October 1, 2025October 1, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

On September 29, regional leaders, educators, students, and industry partners came together at WestGate@Crane Technology Park to celebrate the launch of the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Training Hub. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era of opportunity for students and workers across the region, creating a direct pathway into one of the most critical … Continue reading Photo Gallery: ME Training Hub and ME Academy Signing Ceremony

ROI launches Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Training Hub at WestGate@Crane with ribbon cutting

Posted on September 29, 2025October 3, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

New hub and academy align ME training opportunities with defense and industry workforce needs BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Industry leaders, defense partners, educators, students, families, and local officials joined together on September 29 to celebrate the opening of the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics (ME) Training Hub at the WestGate@Crane Technology Park, a milestone in building the region’s … Continue reading ROI launches Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Training Hub at WestGate@Crane with ribbon cutting

STEM Fellowship launches year of innovation

Posted on September 5, 2025October 3, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

The STEM adventure has begun for Regional Opportunity Initiatives' latest STEM Fellows cohort! Last week marked the official launch of the 2025-2026 STEM Fellowship, a yearlong journey of innovation, discovery, and professional growth for elementary and middle school educators across the Indiana Uplands. The STEM Fellowship is a 10-month professional development program to support elementary … Continue reading STEM Fellowship launches year of innovation

Creating community connections: Muralist fills region with color

Posted on August 26, 2025August 29, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

Muralist Adam Long was busy in the Indiana Uplands region this month. In fact, Long keeps busy in the Uplands almost every month, filling nearly every county with color and light as he drapes the sides of buildings and walls of businesses with his bright, unique artistic style. This month’s project: the first phase of … Continue reading Creating community connections: Muralist fills region with color

READI 2.0 funding for four projects to accelerate housing, childcare, and healthcare in the Indiana Uplands

Posted on July 25, 2025July 28, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

$4,093,000 in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funding has been committed to leverage investments for housing developments in Huntingburg and Leavenworth, childcare expansion in Nashville, and hospital improvements in Washington.

Igniting knowledge: High schoolers, parent reflect on soldering camp

Posted on July 24, 2025November 6, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

Shoals High School student Isaac Johnson’s experience at ROI’s free Soldering Camp led him to the realization that this precise, hands-on skill would help him if he wanted to work in engineering – or more specifically: On airplanes. “This camp changed the way I think about technology and future careers,” Johnson said. Johnson was one … Continue reading Igniting knowledge: High schoolers, parent reflect on soldering camp

Twenty-one educators join ROI’s Career Coaching Fellowship

Posted on July 24, 2025July 29, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

This school year, career connections will continue to grow for students in the Indiana Uplands as Regional Opportunity Initiatives welcomes the newest cohort of the Career Coaching Fellowship. Twenty-one individuals serving across the Indiana Uplands as school counselors, career coaches, work-based and internship coordinators, and Preparing for College and Career teachers have stepped up to … Continue reading Twenty-one educators join ROI’s Career Coaching Fellowship

Developers break ground on new affordable housing community coming to Loogootee

Posted on July 18, 2025September 10, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

$600,000 in READI 2.0 allocations will leverage investments for Oak Street Village, which will feature 50 rental units and childcare facility. On Friday, July 18, Governor Mike Braun joined local and regional officials for a groundbreaking ceremony held for a new affordable multi-family housing community coming to the City of Loogootee in Martin County. Sullivan … Continue reading Developers break ground on new affordable housing community coming to Loogootee

Vacant lot to vibrant hub: Loogootee celebrates new Downtown Pavilion

Posted on June 24, 2025July 1, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

Photo courtesy of Jason R Greene Photography. As Loogootee Mayor Brian Ader stood on a hot summer evening, looking out at the annual Summerfest, his attention was drawn to the new Downtown Park Pavilion filled with kids laughing and playing, adults dancing, and families gathered together enjoying this snapshot of summer. This is what the … Continue reading Vacant lot to vibrant hub: Loogootee celebrates new Downtown Pavilion

ROI’s STEM Fellowship newest cohort announced, program expands with mentor program

Posted on June 24, 2025June 30, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

Eighth STEM Fellowship cohort launches with 19 educators and five mentors Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is proud to announce its eighth STEM Fellowship cohort and a new mentorship program. The 19 selected educators in Cohort 8 will begin their fellowship year in August 2025, bringing the total number to 149 Fellows working to grow high-quality … Continue reading ROI’s STEM Fellowship newest cohort announced, program expands with mentor program

Launch day for Upskill: 53 students sign on for apprenticeships

Posted on May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

Yesterday, ROI proudly celebrated a powerful milestone with the fourth cohort of its UpSkill Work & Learn program. Fifty-three high school students took a bold step toward their futures, committing to paid apprenticeships that blend hands-on experience, college coursework, and industry-recognized credentials.

Incremental development program aims to increase housing, strengthen communities

Posted on May 29, 2025May 30, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

When ROI completed the 2023 Indiana Uplands Housing Study Update, it emphasized a consistent need across all 11 counties for strategies to address infill and small-scale development, including home rehabilitation. To address this need, ROI launched a new housing initiative earlier this year in collaboration with the Incremental Development Alliance (IDA), a national nonprofit organization … Continue reading Incremental development program aims to increase housing, strengthen communities

IU Rural Conference highlights how we define rural places

Posted on May 29, 2025May 29, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

In May, IU’s Center for Rural Engagement delivered a stellar two-day conference focused on the issues of greatest importance to Indiana’s rural communities.

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Day with a spotlight on UpSkill

Posted on April 25, 2025April 25, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

April 30 marks National Apprenticeship Day 2025, a nationwide celebration of the role apprenticeships play in preparing workers for successful careers through real-world experiences.