Empowering Indiana's Modern Workforce

Bridging Indiana's Talent Gap

Indiana’s growth in emerging industries brings opportunities—for Hoosiers and employers alike. Developing the talent to fuel these industries is a collective effort.

$ 28.7 Billion

of investment is coming to the state from companies committed to locate or expand in Indiana.

Source: Indiana Economic Development Corporation

72%

of jobs in the U.S. will require education or
training beyond high school by 2031.

Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

63%

Indiana’s labor force
participation rate.

Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, September 2024

72%

Jobs in U.S. that will require education of
training beyond high school by 2031.

Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

63%

Indiana’s labor force
participation rate.

Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, September 2024

Guiding Statewide Progress

Connect

Connections come in all forms - whether we are connecting talent to careers or connecting the dots for the entire workforce ecosystem.

Connect

Workforce Strategies

With input from employers, educators, job seekers, and more, we build and deliver solutions that serve the entire ecosystem at scale.

Workforce Strategies

Data Insights

Our experience with employers, job seekers, and others gives us unprecedented insights that we share with our stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Data Insights

Impact in Action

Discover our impact. See how Ascend is paving the way and driving success for Indiana job seekers and the statewide labor market.

Isaac Rogers & Brooke Wagner

Student Voices Powering Ball State’s County Ambassador Program and Encouraging Graduates to Make Indiana Home

Ball State’s County Ambassador Program empowers students to share pride in their home communities, build leadership skills, and encourage peers to live and work in Indiana after graduation.

Zander Huss

Empowering Indiana’s Next Generation of Talent

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.

Donna Marie & Mary Hughes, DANNAR

Small Team, Big Impact: How DANNAR Empowers Interns

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.

Merideth Hughes, Milestone & Amy Henningfield, Superior Construction

Paving the Way: How Women IN Roads Is Transforming the Future of Construction

Women IN Roads is empowering young women to pursue careers in construction through mentorship, education and hands-on experiences.

Andy Cassler, The Heritage Group

The Heritage Group Offers Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Early-in-Career Growth

The Heritage Group is cultivating a long-term talent pipeline by offering high school students hands-on work-based learning experiences, mentorship, and STEM-focused career exploration programs.

Fort Wayne Community Schools Partner With Parkview Health to Give Students Hands-On Experience in Healthcare

Fort Wayne Community Schools partnered with Parkview Health to give middle school students hands-on healthcare career exploration through mobile simulations and interactive career fairs.

Chad Martin, Indiana Pork Director of Strategic Outreach

Indiana Agriculture Industry Seeks to Support Youth Internships in Ag

Indiana Pork and Ascend Indiana are launching internships to connect high school students with hands-on agricultural careers and mentorship opportunities.

Michael Solliday, Wolverine Enterprises CEO, 2022-2023

Leading the Way

At Wolverine Enterprises, Michael Solliday sharpened his business skills in mentoring, communication and succession planning. He also learned what he did and didn’t like to do.

Cameron Weber, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Student

Making a Difference Through a Career in Agriculture

Cameron Weber discovered purpose and impact in agbiosciences through AgriNovus Indiana’s Field Atlas, inspiring students to explore meaningful careers in agriculture.