The Challenge

Indiana has made significant investments in workforce development; however, these efforts are often fragmented and disconnected. Without a shared foundation of reliable data, it is challenging to bring together the perspectives of institutions, agencies—and especially employers—in a consistent way. Recent program cuts only heighten the need for data-driven strategies that respond directly to employer demand and jobseeker needs. Yet, today, information remains scattered across the marketplace, leaving no central source of truth to guide action.

Ascend’s Model

The Ascend Network is the foundation of our strategy. It not only connects Hoosiers to career opportunities but also generates real-time insights that inform employers of hiring needs and help shape our workforce solutions. Through new partnerships, we now have access to thousands of job postings sourced from a wide array of job boards across the U.S., giving us broader access to employer demand.

Our technology enables us to gain a deeper understanding of both employer demand (via job posting data) and jobseeker behavior (via application trends), providing a clearer picture of Indiana’s labor market. To operationalize these insights, we are developing a dashboard that will enable real-time monitoring of workforce trends, making it easier to proactively gather new insights about employer needs and jobseeker preferences across the state.

But technology alone isn’t enough. That’s why we’re also convening a coalition of statewide leaders—including the Department of Education, Commission for Higher Education, Economic Development Corporation, Department of Workforce Development, CICP and other key organizations. Together, we’re exploring ways to improve coordination and data sharing across organizations, which will help shape policies and ensure that Indiana’s workforce system is responsive, coordinated and future-ready.

Why It Matters

For employers, this means a more direct line to the talent they need—and the ability to adapt as their industries evolve. For job seekers, it means greater clarity about career opportunities and the skills most in demand, making it easier to connect with meaningful work.

By aligning data, technology and partnerships, we will be better equipped to grow our economy, support businesses, and create lasting opportunities for Hoosiers.