UpSkill is a cutting-edge youth apprenticeship program that gives high school students the chance to earn a paycheck, gain career credentials, and take college courses—all while still in school. This youth work and learn apprenticeship program opens doors to career paths and passions students can’t always discover in the classroom, while helping employers build a stronger, more skilled talent pipeline. Led by Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), UpSkill serves as the connector between schools, employers, and higher education partners.

This two- to three-year commitment benefits both students and businesses: students earn while they learn through hands-on job training and related coursework, and ROI supports every step of the way—from applications and interviews to placement, training, and ongoing guidance. With pathways in fields like advanced manufacturing, national security and defense, life sciences, business, and IT, these students are not just preparing for jobs—they’re launching careers.

Hear what the experience is like firsthand through the videos below – one from the perspective of UpSkill students, and the other from the UpSkill employer partners who are helping shape their futures.

Hear from six UpSkill students about their experiences working and learning in the Indiana Uplands.

Hear from five of our employer partners on the impact of UpSkill and youth apprentices on their businesses.

How it works

Students are identified during their sophomore year and take part in an interview process with potential employers. Those selected begin their apprenticeship in their junior year, working 10–12 hours per week while gaining hands-on experience. In their senior year, they increase their work hours to 15–20 per week. By the third year, students may transition into full- or part-time roles, pursue advanced training, or continue earning college credits – opening multiple pathways for their future.

How is this different from an internship?

Unlike a short-term internship, UpSkill offers a multi-year experience that combines paid, hands-on work with structured learning for a specific career path. Students receive on-the-job training, gain exposure to real-world career opportunities, and complete additional instruction that aligns with industry standards – creating a deeper, more meaningful pathway to future success for both students and employers.

ActivitiesJunior YearSenior YearPost Graduation
At The Worksite10-20 hours
per week		15-20 hours
per week		Full or part-time
employment
Additional TrainingIndustry recognized
certifications		Industry recognized
certifications		Advanced training
or college coursework

Which schools are participating?

  • Barr-Reeve High School
  • Bloomington Academy of Science & Entrepreneurship
  • Bloomfield High School
  • Brown County High School
  • Eastern Greene High School
  • Edgewood High School
  • Loogootee High School
  • Mitchell High School
  • North Lawrence Career Center
  • Orleans High School
  • Owen Valley High School
  • Edgewood High School
  • Salem High School
  • Shoals High School
  • Washington High School

Schools assist in recruitment, academic/career pathway alignment, monitoring, and scheduling. Each student also has a mentor who provides support throughout the UpSkill program.

Interested students are encouraged to fill out the UpSkill Interest Form:

Student Interest Sign Up

Which employers are participating?

  • Brown County Schools
  • Brown County Title
  • Bedford North Lawrence Schools
  • CACI
  • City of Bloomington Parks & Rec
  • COSMOS
  • Daviess-Martin Special Education Cooperative
  • Diamond Stone Technologies
  • Eastern Greene Schools
  • German American Bank
  • Graber Post Building
  • Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
  • Indiana Safety & Supply
  • Ivy Tech
  • J&R Tool Inc.
  • JSI
  • Loren Wood Builders
  • Mainstream Fiber
  • Mitchell Schools
  • MSP Manufacturing
  • PACE Community Action Agency Inc.
  • Peoples State Bank
  • PRD
  • Purdue Applied Research Institute
  • Regional Opportunity Initiatives
  • Rel-Micro
  • Richland Bean Blossom Schools
  • RTC Communications
  • SAIC
  • Salem Schools
  • Smithville Communications
  • Stone City Products
  • TASUS
  • TexaCon & Bedford Limestone Suppliers
  • The Peoples State Bank
  • True RX Health Strategists
  • TrueScripts
  • VALOR Defense Solutions Inc.
  • VET Environmental Engineering
  • Washington Community Schools

More employers will join us as we continue to grow. Interested employers are encouraged to fill out the UpSkill Interest Form:

EMPLOYER Interest Sign Up

For more information, please contact ROI at (812) 287-8116 or upskill@regionalopportunityinc.org.

Recent UpSkill News