Hoosier State Today

Work-based learning has emerged as a crucial element in enhancing Indiana's talent pool, essential for the state's progress. Work and Learn Indiana (WLI) recently held its Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference in Noblesville, featuring the 19th Annual Impact Awards. This event recognizes individuals and organizations promoting practical job experiences.

The conference is a platform for sharing best practices to foster growth and partnerships between workforce and education sectors. The event saw over 100 nominations across various categories.

The honorees included Lian Fernandez from Marian University as the College Work-Based Learner of the Year, Lucas Harth from Perry Central Junior Senior High as the High School Work-Based Learner of the Year, and Kimberlee Reagan from Endress+Hauser as the Adult Work-Based Learner of the Year. Career Development Professional awards went to Jeermal Sylvester from Marian University's Saint Joseph’s College for college-level work and Mark Peterson from Chesterton High School for high school-level work. Sven Nelson from Heliponix was named Work-Based Learning Supervisor of the Year, while Corteva Agriscience received Outstanding Employer of the Year honors. The Innovative Program award went to Indiana Office of Technology's State Earn and Learn IT Program, with Eastern Hancock Community Schools recognized as Community Partner of the Year.

Managed by the Institute for Workforce Excellence (IWE), WLI connects employers with learners through its free internship-matching program.

"Work and Learn Indiana is dedicated to creating and expanding high-quality experiential opportunities throughout Indiana," said Vanessa Green Sinders, President and CEO of the Indiana Chamber. "The Impact Awards showcases remarkable partnerships taking place among education, employers, students, and others to cultivate and develop talent."

Key highlights at the conference included remarks by Commissioner Chris Lowery of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, a keynote panel on diverse success models in work-based learning moderated by Dr. Katie Jenner, Secretary of Education, along with educational sessions on engaging employers in apprenticeship pathways.

Awards were presented by Gerry Dick from Inside Indiana Business alongside Dr. David Dimmett from Project Lead The Way.

For more information about WLI, contact (317) 264-6852 or visit www.workandlearnindiana.com.

Lian Fernandez stood out during her internship at Girls Inc., Indianapolis. "Lian consistently stepped up during her work-based learning experience," said Emily Henson from Girls Inc., highlighting Fernandez's bilingual abilities that helped connect with camp participants.

Mark Peterson at Chesterton High School developed over 200 business partnerships through their internship program. "Mark’s standout communication skills lie at the heart of his success," noted Brent Martinson, principal at Chesterton High School.

Corteva Agriscience's R&D internship offers an immersive introduction to agriculture with networking events and professional development sessions led by Nikki Raymond at Corteva.

Indiana Office of Technology's SEAL IT program started during remote work transitions due to COVID-19 restrictions under then-Gov. Eric Holcomb's directive in 2020. Devan Penn emphasized SEAL IT’s flexibility accommodating family obligations while molding participants into IT professionals without requiring prior experience or degrees in computer science.