The Don Wood Foundation is transforming Northeast Indiana’s economy by uniting education, industry and community to build a skilled workforce and drive regional prosperity.

With support from the Questa Education Foundation, Zander Huss overcame financial barriers to pursue mechanical engineering at Trine University, emerging as a driven student-athlete committed to giving back to Northeast Indiana.

12 regional organizations across Indiana have been awarded $1.2 million in grants to launch the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP), a statewide initiative preparing students for high-demand careers through paid, year-round apprenticeships starting in 2026.

After years of meaningful conversations about workforce challenges, Ascend President and CEO Brad Rhorer has noticed a pattern: we talk about the problems more than we move through them.

Chris Lowery leaves a legacy of bold leadership, reshaping Indiana’s higher education with the HOPE Agenda and a focus on workforce relevance.

Work-based learning is gaining momentum as educators innovate beyond traditional internships, employers embrace youth talent pipelines and stakeholders push for scalable, well-funded, and standardized approaches that expand access for all students.

DANNAR’s collaboration with work-based learning programs equips high school students with real-world experience in advanced manufacturing, building essential skills and strengthening ties between education and industry.

A new website has been launched for the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP).

Expanding early career guidance and work-based learning to help Indiana seniors succeed beyond graduation.

Ascend’s internship program gave students real-world experience and meaningful roles that helped them grow professionally.