Ascend Indiana, the talent and workforce development initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), announced today that George Philhower, superintendent of Community School Corporation of Eastern Hancock County, will join its Board of Directors.

Since 2021 and as superintendent of the Charlottesville, Ind., school district, Philhower has championed a system that ensures students engage in meaningful career-connected learning that prepares them for success beyond graduation.

Under Philhower’s leadership, Eastern Hancock has more than one-quarter of its students participate in high-quality, work-based learning experiences, gaining hands-on skills in industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, engineering and education. The district also runs a robust community engagement initiative, bringing together more than 100 community leaders on a regular basis to align education with workforce needs to equip students for the future.

“George adds an important voice to the Ascend board and helps us ensure Indiana’s educators and employers are aligned as we engage in strategies to build a robust talent pipeline,” said Brad Rhorer, president and CEO of Ascend Indiana. “He has not only focused on building work-based learning opportunities for his students, but has also been instrumental in CEMETs iLab, a statewide initiative to transform career-connected learning in Indiana.”

George earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, a master’s from the University of Indianapolis, and both an Ed.S. and Ph.D. from Indiana State University. George has dedicated his professional life to helping fulfill his vision so that, one day, every child will wake up excited to go to school — knowing that when they arrive, they will be safe and free to be themselves, engaged in meaningful learning, celebrated for their successes, surrounded by friends and cared for by trusted adults.