Ascend Indiana, the talent and workforce development initiative of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), announced today a statewide initiative to support Indiana schools and employers in developing and implementing high-quality work-based learning experiences for high school students.
In partnership with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), Ascend developed and launched a comprehensive set of resources that provides step-by-step guidance, examples and design considerations aligned with Indiana’s updated high school graduation requirements. Ascend has also established and equipped a network of regional partners that will coordinate, expand and enable high-quality WBL across the state.
As Indiana’s statewide workforce initiative, Ascend developed these work-based learning resources and accompanying network in response to the state’s high school diploma redesign, which requires students graduating with a readiness seal to have completed sustained WBL experiences aligned to career pathways.
“Beginning with the Class of 2029, tens of thousands of Hoosier students each year will participate in meaningful employer-connected placements as part of their graduation journey. But without clearer definitions and stronger infrastructure, student and school demand will outpace the opportunities available,” said Brad Rhorer, president and CEO of Ascend Indiana. “Our work to support a network of regional partners – referred to as regional intermediaries – and launch tools for WBL implementation will help fill this demand.”
The new work-based learning resources include practical tools that make it easier for educators, employers and community organizations to create meaningful, career-connected experiences for students. These tools are available on Ascend’s Work-based Learning webpage and will also be included in a robust Work-based Learning Digital Resources Hub launching this spring.
“Implementing work-based learning requires collaboration throughout the state, and our partnership with Ascend to equip intermediaries and schools to succeed has been a true team effort,” said Jacqueline Kronk, Chief Strategy Officer, Office of the Indiana Secretary of Education. “Work-based learning is one of the most effective ways to prepare Hoosier students with the skills, experience and confidence they need to succeed in their future career. By empowering regional intermediaries to coordinate partnerships, match students with opportunities, and build sustainable local infrastructure, we can ensure high-quality work-based learning opportunities are accessible for students statewide.”
The tools were officially launched in March to members of the Ascend Intermediary Learning Network, a group of organizations that serve as key connectors between schools and employers in their regions and are poised to support schools and employers in the successful implementation of work-based learning. Ascend has identified 20 intermediaries with dedicated staffing to coordinate, expand and enable high-quality work-based learning for employers and schools in their regions. The intermediaries are listed and can be sorted by region on Ascend’s website.
Schools and employers can connect with a regional intermediary to support their work-based learning programs by visiting the Ascend Intermediary Directory at ascendindiana.com/intermediary-directory.
For more information about work-based learning, visit ascendindiana.com/work-based-learning.
