The following is a press release written by Kaytee Lorentzen for the Regional Opportunity Initiatives and The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce's Foundation.
April 16, 2025 – Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation – The Success School, Monroe County Community Schools, and Richland-Bean Blossom Community Schools have announced a new partnership aimed at strengthening the regional talent pipeline in the Uplands region. This collaboration focuses on providing students with opportunities for success after high school through various career exploration and skill-building initiatives.
The partnership comes at a crucial time as local employers seek new ways to develop a skilled workforce while offering high school students hands-on experience in various fields. "By working together, we are ensuring that students are well-equipped with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed after graduation, while also addressing the ongoing workforce needs of our local businesses," said Christopher Emge, Senior Director of Government & Community Relations of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
Through a variety of opportunities, local businesses are invited to get involved and help shape the next generation of talent. These opportunities include job shadowing, mock interviews, mentorship programs, company tours, career discovery meetings, and more. Employers will have the chance to directly engage with students through in-person or virtual events such as career fairs, panel discussions, and internships. Additionally, employers can collaborate with students through mentorship opportunities or by participating in student-run business initiatives.
The following is a list of specific ways local employers can engage with the initiative:
- Job Shadow: Students observe employees in action, offering insight into different career paths.
- Mock Interviews: Local businesses host mock interviews to help students hone their interview skills.
- Mentorship/Skills Coaching: Employers provide one-on-one coaching on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
- Career Discovery Meetings: Local employers meet with small groups of students to discuss potential careers and opportunities in their field.
- Company Tours: Companies provide in-person or virtual tours, allowing students to explore various career environments.
- Internships and Apprenticeships: Students gain on-the-job training, helping them build real-world experience and networks in their chosen industry.
In addition to one-time events, ongoing opportunities such as career path presentations, panel discussions, and industry-specific presentations will provide continuous engagement for local employers to connect with students and inspire the workforce of tomorrow.
How Employers Can Get Involved
Local employers interested in participating in these collaborative efforts can fill out a simple form via https://bit.ly/EngageEmployer or reach out directly to the participating organizations for more information.
About the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization serving as our community’s leading advocate for business. We offer unique leadership opportunities, meaningful volunteer activities, and exclusive business-building programs focused on critical economic, civic, and social priorities. Chamber members support each other and community initiatives, sharing information and resources to help create economic opportunity and community well-being. At the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, we believe that better business leads to a better community.
About the Chamber’s Success School:
As part of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation, the Success School is a unique program designed to promote career awareness and help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in employment or in continuing education. The mission is to facilitate partnerships and programs between the education and business communities that increase student engagement and, therefore, student achievement by providing real-world connections linked with information about future careers.
About Regional Opportunities Initiative (ROI):
ROI advances economic and community prosperity in the 11 counties of the Indiana Uplands (Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen, and Washington counties) and is growing potential and possibility through a focus on advanced industry sectors, regionalism, transformative school and workforce redesign, and placemaking strategies. More information can be found at www.regionalopportunityinc.org.
About Monroe County Community School Corporation:
The Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) serves more than 10,000 students from diverse populations in 23 schools in Monroe County, Indiana. MCCSC is a leader in STEAM and EARTH curricula, encompasses a performing arts academy, International Baccalaureate schools, dual language immersion programs, and offers numerous career and college pathways for students to prepare for their futures. MCCSC’s commitment is to Engage, Empower, and Educate all students in a world-class learning environment, empowering tomorrow’s leaders to maximize their educational success in becoming productive, responsible global citizens.
About Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation:
At Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation, education is at the heart of our community. We are a dedicated team committed to empowering students to think, create, and grow to their fullest potential. We prepare learners for bright futures and to create positive impacts in our community through innovation, support, and a student-centered approach. Together, we serve, inspire, and strive to change the world.
Contact:
Kaytee Lorentzen
Director of Communications & Events
812-336-6381
