News

ROI welcomes Julie Halbig as Vice President for Economic and Community Development

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

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

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

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

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

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

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

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

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

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

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

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

MCCSC is full ‘STEAM’ ahead in Ready Schools Initiative

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

On the last Friday of the school year, a line of eager Bloomington High School South students is already forming before the doors open to The ScholarSips Cafe. Some students place their orders on a new mobile app, and a tasty drink awaits them on the counter as they walk into the shop, which can … Continue reading MCCSC is full ‘STEAM’ ahead in Ready Schools Initiative

Apply now to be our next VP for Community & Economic Development

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

Congratulations to our colleague Lisa Abbott, whose last day at ROI will be May 30! In preparation for a big move to Colorado she’s been planning with her husband, Lisa has taken on a new career role to make her transition out west easier. Lisa has interacted with many #Uplanders in her time with ROI … Continue reading Apply now to be our next VP for Community & Economic Development

Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Brayden Hudson

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

This is Brayden Hudson’s second year as an UpSkill apprentice. He works for SAIC, a military defense contractor in Bedford. Hudson He said he wanted to apply for an apprenticeship with UpSkill because he wanted to open up more career opportunities for himself. The best part about UpSkill has been the “invaluable experience” Hudson has … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Brayden Hudson

Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Amorenio Martinez

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

During his initial year as an apprentice at Indiana Safety and Supply, Amorenio Martinez has already gleaned valuable insights and lessons. Martinez “I learned the process of what a company does to run a business, and I am learning the importance of finding a balance in life,” said the Washington High School junior. “It provided … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Amorenio Martinez

Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Owen Snyder

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

Ask Owen Snyder the highlight of his academic career so far and his answer is straightforward: His UpSkill apprenticeship at German American Bank. “Being an UpSkill apprentice has taught me more than I ever could have imagined,” said the Edgewood High School senior. Snyder works at German American Bank. Not only has it taught Snyder … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Owen Snyder