News

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

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

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

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

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

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