More than 2,800 job openings available through a year-round employment platform connecting Indianapolis youth to opportunity
INDIANAPOLIS – March 18, 2026—This morning, Mayor Joe Hogsett, EmployIndy, and employer partner AMC Theatres kicked off the summer hiring season by announcing a hiring event for the movie theatre locations across the city. Project Indy is currently offering 2,894 unique job openings for young people across Marion County, spanning 257 different positions from 174 active local employers. Through its online platform at projectindy.net, young people can easily connect with employers in their community who are hiring.
“With yet another year of Project Indy comes another fantastic opportunity for young people to gain real-life work experience and earn respectable wages,” said Mayor Hogsett. “Not only does this program set them up for success, but it also ensures that they have a safe, productive way to spend their free time this summer. Project Indy represents a win for our youth, the City, and employers across Indianapolis.”
Project Indy was launched in 2016 by Mayor Hogsett alongside EmployIndy, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC), and the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY). Since its launch, 20,656 young people in Marion County have registered on the Project Indy platform to connect with employment opportunities and explore career pathways with local employers.In total, 354 employers have participated in the platform since 2016.
While many people associate Project Indy with summer jobs, the platform operates year-round, connecting young people ages 16–24 with part-time, full-time and seasonal employment opportunities across Marion County.
Youth ages 16–24 can get started using Project Indy’s virtual job board by simply texting “ProjectIndy” to 317-659-9657. This easy-to-use online platform utilizes text messaging to recruit and onboard job seekers. It also includes a location-based tool that works to connect youth to nearby opportunities as well as filtering job opportunities by interest. Once registered, job seekers can easily apply to any of the hundreds of open positions by providing a few pieces of basic information.
By hiring in-school and out-of-school youth throughout Marion County, local employers provide employability skill development and job-readiness training, playing an important role in training our future workforce. Programs like Project Indy also help connect young people to positive opportunities that support long-term success.
“At EmployIndy, our goal is to connect young people to opportunity while helping employers build strong talent pipelines for the future,” said Ken Clark, president and CEO of EmployIndy. “Through Project Indy, young people gain valuable work experience while local employers connect with motivated young talent across our community.”
EmployIndy, which administers Project Indy, will continue promoting the platform through face-to-face recruiting at Indianapolis-area high schools, targeted social media campaigns and participation in youth hiring fairs. The organization also works closely with community organizations and workforce partners to ensure young people across Indianapolis are aware of and able to access available opportunities.
In 2018, EmployIndy, in partnership with the City of Indianapolis and the Indy Chamber, launched Job Ready Indy, an online employability skills program designed to help young people build the workplace skills needed for career success. When an individual completes one of the online courses, a Job Ready Indy badge appears on their Project Indy profile, notifying employers that they have demonstrated key workplace readiness skills.
Employers interested in hiring youth can sign up to be a Project Indy partner through the Project Indy platform.
EmployIndy’s Company Culture Cohort for Choice Employers supported organizations across industries as they worked to strengthen workplace culture. The program focused on engagement, retention, trust, leadership, recognition, and respect—helping employers align company culture with job quality through intentional, measurable strategies.
Designed to help organizations assess and shape their workplace culture, the cohort included Connor Painting, EnPower Inc., and Lutheran Family and Child Services. Sessions encouraged employers to focus on one or two priority goals rather than attempting broad change all at once, and featured expert guest speakers and practical, relevant content. Up to three staff members per company participated, with meals and materials provided.
Lutheran Family and Child Services shared how the cohort supported its efforts to align workplace culture with its mission-driven values of being, belonging, and becoming. Through coaching and peer learning, the organization reinforced practices aimed at helping staff feel supported, valued and encouraged to grow, strengthening trust and leadership across the agency.
EnPower Inc., a U.S.-based lithium-ion battery startup, highlighted how the cohort helped guide intentional culture-building during a period of organizational growth. By participating in cohort discussions and using shared tools, EnPower explored ways to elevate employee voice, strengthen recognition and apply feedback to future engagement strategies.
During an open forum portion of a session, one participating employer said, “I just want to say how happy I am to be part of this cohort. It’s been so informative already, and I’m excited for this year of coaching.”
By combining expert guidance, peer learning and focused goal-setting, EmployIndy’s Company Culture Cohort helped employers strengthen workplace culture and invest in long-term success.
EmployIndy’s Choice Employers program works with businesses to give them hands-on support to improve the areas that matter most to their workforce, with an emphasis on good wages, culture & equity, employee supports, and career pathways. Last year, EmployIndy invested $23.5 million in expanding access, improving job quality, and advancing workers through employer partnerships, with $5.81 million in increased wages through our Good Wages Initiative.
Interested in participating in a future Company Culture Cohort?
Contact Lora Steele, Director of Business Consulting, at [email protected].
Indiana’s new high school graduation requirements are ushering in a new era of career readiness, and the hospitality industry is stepping up to lead the way.
Under the state’s mandate requiring 75 hours of work-based learning for students pursuing the Honors Enrollment Seal Plus diploma, industry leaders, led by the Indiana Tourism Association, have come together to create a structured, meaningful experience designed to prepare students for real-world success.
The collaborative effort—made up of tourism and hospitality organizations across the state—aims to introduce high school students to the dynamic hospitality industry through hands-on learning. The group’s draft framework outlines a flexible, community-driven and career-focused program that exposes students to multiple facets of the industry.
What’s in the plan?
The proposed program emphasizes several key components:
Rotational experiences: Students will complete no fewer than 20 hours in key sectors such as hotels, restaurants, attractions, destination marketing and event management.
Industry orientation: A kickoff session will introduce students to tourism’s statewide structure, customer service fundamentals and career pathways.
Real-world skills: From shadowing hotel front desk staff to assisting with event setups, students will experience workplace culture and responsibilities firsthand.
Capstone reflection: An optional final project will encourage students to synthesize their learning and showcase their growth.
Why it matters
Work-based learning is more than a requirement—it serves as a bridge between education and employment. By engaging students early, industries such as hospitality can:
Build a pipeline of skilled, motivated talent.
Strengthen community connections by demonstrating how tourism supports local economies.
Help students make informed decisions about future education and career paths.
What’s next
The group is actively refining evaluation rubrics and developing implementation toolkits, including application templates, partner expectations and hour-tracking logs. Community rollout will involve identifying lead coordinators, partnering with local schools and creating onboarding resources for participating organizations.
This initiative goes beyond compliance to emphasize collaboration. By working together, industry partners are helping ensure Indiana students graduate not only with diplomas but with meaningful, career-relevant experiences.
Organizations interested in shaping Indiana’s future workforce are encouraged to get involved. To learn more, contact Sam Foist, Manager, Business Partnerships, at [email protected].
EmployIndy has the privilege of supporting people in nearly every stage of their career, from young students exploring career paths all the way to late-in-career adults providing for their families, building stability and opportunity for our next generation. Our work is at the center of our community. The hope that comes with a new career opportunity—and the pride that comes with the ability to support yourself and your family—is a powerful mission we get to serve. EmployIndy is a connector and catalyst for the talent in Indianapolis, and I am thrilled to bring my perspective, passion, and experience as your partner in this work.
I am also incredibly grateful to Marie Mackintosh for her leadership, mentorship, and nearly decade-long commitment to EmployIndy. Her vision and steady hand have shaped a strong, values-driven organization, and I look forward to building upon the foundation she has helped create.
As I move into this role, my top priority is to continue strengthening the partnerships and relationships that make our work possible—across employers, community organizations, education partners, and residents throughout Marion County. Together, we will continue connecting people to purpose and removing the barriers to equitable prosperity in our community.
Thank you for your continued trust and support of EmployIndy. I’m excited for the work ahead and inspired by the impact we can create together.
Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and joyful holiday season.
Ken Clark President + CEO, EmployIndy
Image courtesy of Visit Indy.
Ken Clark is now leading organization’s efforts to expand access to quality jobs and workforce training in Marion County
INDIANAPOLIS — Today, December 8, 2025, EmployIndy, Marion County’s Workforce Development Board, announced Ken Clark as its new president and CEO. Effective December 8, Clark succeeds Marie Mackintosh who has led the organization under Mayor Joe Hogsett and his administration since October 2022. Clark joined EmployIndy in June 2023 as executive vice president of finance and administration. In July 2025, he was named the executive vice president of programmatic operations, where he led strategy, delivery and performance of the organization’s workforce development portfolio.
During Clark’s time with EmployIndy, he has guided the organization’s finance, human resources, and technology functions. He managed a $26 million budget, developed and implemented key performance indicators to strengthen accountability across teams, and redesigned operational processes to ensure compliance with federal, state, local and philanthropic workforce funding requirements. His systems-building work has helped serve as the operational backbone of EmployIndy’s programmatic impact.
“I feel incredibly grateful to be taking the helm at EmployIndy in this pivotal time.” said Clark. “We make a real difference in our residents’ lives at every stage of their careers, from young people in school exploring career paths all the way to reskilling late-in-career adults who need a new path to support their families. Our work is at the center of our community. The hope that comes with a new career opportunity—and the pride that comes with the ability to support yourself and your family—is a powerful mission we get to serve.”
By 2031, 72% of jobs in the U.S. will require education or training beyond high school according to Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Yet only 43% of adults in Marion County hold an associate degree or higher.
In EmployIndy’s most recent program year, 7,478 residents connected with personalized career coaching, training, and supportive services—either directly or through community partnerships—to improve their qualifications and meet the need of today’s job market. In addition to supporting jobseekers and community organizations, EmployIndy has built relationships with more than 1,200 Indianapolis employers through programs like Talent Bound and its Good Wages Initiative.
“Ken brings a rare combination of financial expertise, operational leadership, and passion for public service,” said Elizabeth Rovazzini, EmployIndy’s board chair and president of B&W Plumbing and Heating. “His steady leadership has already strengthened EmployIndy from within, and we’re excited for him to build on that foundation as president and CEO. Our board is confident he will guide the organization forward with vision, accountability, and heart.”
Clark brings more than 15 years of relevant experience to this role. Prior to joining EmployIndy, Clark served as the city controller and director of the office of finance and management for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County, where he oversaw the city’s finance, procurement, HR and real estate functions. In this role, he led major job-quality advancements for 7,000 municipal employees, including more than $15 million in salary adjustments to create more equitable and competitive compensation. Clark also managed the allocation of $597 million in federal recovery funds, supporting community services and workforce development initiatives during a period of unprecedented need.
Earlier in his career, Clark held multiple executive roles at the Information Services Agency, including chief information officer, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer. He led citywide technology modernization efforts, improved IT customer satisfaction from 73% to 90%, and reshaped the agency’s funding model to support sustainable investment in digital infrastructure. His leadership contributed to the City of Indianapolis receiving the Mira Award for Corporate Innovator of the Year and earned him the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Year Award in 2018. Clark received a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University Bloomington and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Indiana.
INDIANAPOLIS — EmployIndy staff, board members, community partners and local leaders gathered Dec. 3 at The AMP at 16 Tech to honor Marie Mackintosh for her contributions as she prepares to take on a new role with Indiana University Indianapolis.
Mackintosh has served as president and CEO of EmployIndy since fall 2022, leading efforts to build strategic partnerships and create opportunities that empower Marion County residents to pursue careers aligned with employer demand. She first joined the organization as chief operations officer in 2016, and her leadership has been key in advancing initiatives such as the New Skills Ready Network Collaborative, Modern Apprenticeship, Talent Bound, Rapid Re-Employment Response and the Good Wages Initiative.
Reflecting on her time with the organization, Mackintosh told the team, “I really respect each and every one of you and your grit, your resilience, your commitment to serving our community, our residents and our businesses in a really thoughtful way. I’m very grateful to all of you.”
Under her direction, EmployIndy launched a three-year strategic plan focused on preparing students and workers for 21st-century jobs through career-connected learning, access to career coaches and equitable postsecondary options. The plan also emphasizes business engagement, helping employers remain competitive by co-creating talent pipelines, promoting inclusive and high-quality employment and connecting to a diverse, well-prepared workforce — steps critical to Indianapolis’ continued economic growth.
During the event, Mackintosh received a commemoration from U.S. Rep. André Carson and a proclamation from Mayor Joe Hogsett. She shared a personal reflection, saying, “As some of you may know, I am a musical theater girl at heart. And to borrow this moment from ‘Wicked,’ what I want to say is that ‘because I know you, I have changed for good.’ That line really hits when I think about how many people here have helped me have that change in my life. And so I’m just very grateful.”
Mackintosh will begin her new role Dec. 8 as vice chancellor for workforce and community engagement at IU Indianapolis. Her vision and dedication have left a lasting impact on the community, shaping opportunities for residents and businesses and driving progress toward a more inclusive and prosperous Indianapolis.
Closing the event, Mackintosh said, “Thank you for trusting me and for challenging me and for believing alongside me and really reminding me every day what community really means.”
Dear Partners and Friends,
This past year demanded resilience and collaboration. As we look back on 2024–2025, I’m proud to share how our work together expanded opportunities and strengthened career pathways for residents and employers across Indianapolis.
Our partners, staff, and community came together to connect individuals to career pathways, strengthen employer-led solutions, and help people gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a changing economy. More than 7,400 residents engaged in coaching and training, over 38,000 career-connected learning experiences happened throughout the ecosystem, and employer partners helped generate more than $5.8M in increased wages through job quality initiatives. This progress reflects the collective strength of our workforce ecosystem.
It also reflects the strength of our shared commitment — to access, collaboration, and ensuring every resident of Marion County has the chance to succeed. Because at its core, Employing Indy means empowering Indy — strengthening pathways that help residents build skills, find purpose, and access opportunity.
As I share this report, I do so with both pride and gratitude. After more than three years as President + CEO, and nearly ten years with EmployIndy, I will be stepping down on December 5, 2025. Stewarding EmployIndy’s mission has been an extraordinary privilege and defining chapter in my career. I am deeply thankful to our Board of Directors, staff, and partners for their dedication and steadfast support, and I am confident that EmployIndy will continue empowering residents and employers to reach their full potential for years to come.
As we celebrate this year’s progress, I also invite you to join us in the spirit of Giving Tuesday on December 2. Your continued support — through partnership, advocacy, or investment — helps EmployIndy expand access to opportunities for Indianapolis residents. Together, we can build pathways that strengthen our community and our workforce for years to come.
Thank you for continuing to champion this mission. Together, we are powering potential across Indianapolis.
With gratitude, Marie Mackintosh President + CEO, EmployIndy
Recruiting top talent isn’t just about filling positions—it’s about building a workforce that drives long-term success. EmployIndy’s Talent Connection serves as a strategic partner for employers and recruiters, helping them connect with job-ready candidates who align with their business goals.
Through Talent Connection, employers gain access to a pool of qualified candidates who have been thoroughly screened for skills and job readiness, ensuring confidence in every referral. Jerry Harrell, Talent Acquisition Consultant for the State of Indiana, has successfully hired 30 candidates with support from EmployIndy.
“The Talent Connection team has become a trusted partner. They screen qualified candidates and make referrals for specific roles. I feel comfortable endorsing candidates for the agencies because of the excellent skills and job readiness screening by the EmployIndy team,” said Harrell.
The partnership goes beyond finding candidates, with EmployIndy providing insight into local workforce trends, early alerts on economic shifts, and support in responding to Marion County’s evolving employment needs.
“EmployIndy services go beyond job fairs and referrals,” said Harrell. “They monitor the pulse of local economic growth and needs. They are closely tied to what happens in our city and in our county.”
Recently, Talent Connection surpassed a major milestone, placing 1,000 candidates in good and promising jobs. With an average salary of $63,781, these placements reflect EmployIndy’s commitment to helping businesses invest in job quality and wage equity, creating high-quality experiences for workers, and sustainable growth for employers.
Nearly 600 local employers have utilized Talent Connection to connect to job-ready candidates. Learn more and get connected today at employindy.org/employer-hub.
EmployIndy and Ascend Indiana have partnered with Ascension St. Vincent to design a best-practice Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) training program, supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the City of Indianapolis. This initiative creates a sustainable pathway for adults seeking CMA certification and employment while directly addressing critical staffing shortages in the healthcare sector.
“The significant demand for highly skilled Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) led Ascension St. Vincent to connect with EmployIndy,” said Rachel Callahan, a Certified Medical Assistant at Ascension. ““With a projected 15% growth in healthcare jobs, we needed to build internal talent and attract new professionals to fill open roles.”
A major barrier that Ascension St. Vincent observed was the financial strain of unpaid externships on students, which often led to low completion rates. “The perception was that students did not take their externships seriously, partly because completing unpaid externships created a significant financial burden for them,” Callahan noted.
With leadership from EmployIndy and Ascend Indiana, healthcare providers shared best practices, and ARPA funding enabled stipends for externship participants—boosting completion and reducing financial stress.
The program’s impact is reflected in participants like Sparkle R., who transitioned from customer service to healthcare at age 30 despite fearing it was too late to make a career change. Inspired by her child with autism, she aimed to create more comforting experiences for patients with disabilities. “This program gave me the confidence and skills I needed,” she said. Sparkle now works at AMG Cardiology and aspires to become a Cardiac Sonographer.
Looking ahead, Ascension hopes to expand the partnership with EmployIndy. “Funding cuts are affecting our ability to sponsor students,” Callahan noted. “We’re exploring sustainable models to continue offering paid externships.”
Ready to grow your business and build a powerhouse talent pipeline? EmployIndy partners with employers to unlock valuable resources that fuel organizational growth and workforce development. Connect with us at [email protected] to explore what’s possible.
On Wednesday, Mayor Joe Hogsett, the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, EmployIndy, and over 60 local employers gathered at the 24th Annual Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards to recognize employers who are leading the way in inclusive and supportive workplace practices. This year’s event took place in-person at the Biltwell Event Center, with over 300 in attendance to hear local leaders share their experiences and best practices for making meaningful impact in their workplace.
This event places a special emphasis on the importance of supporting accessible pathways to quality careers for local residents, as proceeds go to fund EmployIndy programs that support job-readiness training, soft-skill development, postsecondary persistence, work-based learning, and access to quality employment.
“EmployIndy is excited to partner with Mayor Hogsett and the City of Indianapolis to recognize organizations who have proven their commitment to promoting fair and inclusive access to meaningful work opportunities,” said Marie Mackintosh, president & CEO of EmployIndy. “When we work together to connect people to purpose, we build a workforce that is skilled, supported, and set up to succeed.”
In total, seven awards were given at this year’s event with unique focuses including celebrating the quality of services delivered by community-based organizations, impact of youth apprenticeships, good wages and employee support, excelling in youth employment, diversity in leadership, and a focus on workplace culture.
Award recipients at this year’s event are as follows:
“Dr. Mechelle Polter Youth Apprenticeship Employer of the Year” was awarded to Plastic Recycling, Inc for their dedication as a Modern Apprenticeship partner that’s not only creating long-term opportunities for youth in manufacturing, maintenance, HR, and more—but is also hiring apprentices full-time and shaping the next generation of talent through mentorship, career growth, and a true culture of learning.
“Choice Employer of the Year” was awarded to Powers & Sons Construction, a third-generation, family-owned company that not only pays a family-sustaining wage but also builds a culture of mentorship, advancement, and belonging—proving that a strong workplace is one where every employee can grow and thrive.
“Excellence in Service Community-Based Organization (CBO)” was awarded to Second Helpings for their work in transforming lives through their Culinary Job Training program—offering wraparound support, industry-recognized credentials, and real job placements that empower individuals to move from poverty to purpose.
“Excellence in Youth Employment” was awarded to Crew Carwash for their work in building a clear, supportive path from first job to leadership—empowering young people with mentorship, tuition support, and real opportunities for growth.
“Diversity in Leadership” was awarded to Eclectic Soul VOICES Corp for their efforts to grow its own leaders by investing in those they serve.
“Diversity in Workforce” was awarded to East Coast Migrant Head Start Project who have embedded workforce inclusion into every layer of their organization and has built hiring practices, training, and workplace supports to reflect the people they serve.
“Sam H. Jones ‘Best of the Best’” was awarded to Martin University for being an institution that leads by example—developing talent, building community partnerships, and creating opportunities for growth at every level.
Individuals who are interested in supporting opportunities that connect talent with good jobs across Marion County through EmployIndy can donate online atwww.employindy.org/donate.
In today’s dynamic labor market, employers and workforce professionals need more than just access to talent—they need strategic insight and responsive support. EmployIndy, Marion County’s workforce development intermediary, plays a pivotal role in equipping businesses and service providers with the tools and data they need to succeed.
EmployIndy embraces a culture of continuous improvement by using labor market insights to refine its strategies and programs. This approach ensures that workforce services remain responsive to both individual needs and industry demands. Our strategies are continuously adapted to meet evolving workforce challenges—helping employers stay competitive and service providers enhance their delivery.
A prime example of this impact is seen in our partnership with E.M. Company, a local electrical/mechanical contractor. By leveraging EmployIndy’s access to labor market data, E.M. Company was able to conduct a compensation and benefits analysis for several open positions, ensuring their offerings were competitive and attractive to quality candidates. “We leveraged our partnership with EmployIndy, and their access to labor market information, to evaluate several of our open positions through a compensation and benefits analysis,” said Bernie Sponsel, Human Resources Manager at E.M. Company. “With their help, we feel confident that our offerings are competitive and will attract quality candidates.”
Beyond the recruitment strategy, EmployIndy also supported E.M. Company in upskilling its existing workforce. Next Level Jobs training grants supported apprenticeship training for eleven employees across three trade schools—demonstrating how strategic investment in talent development benefits both businesses and workers.
Return on Investment: Fueling Economic Growth
With an annual investment of over $20 million in workforce initiatives, EmployIndy delivers measurable economic impact. These efforts help residents overcome barriers to employment and connect with good and promising jobs. For employers, this translates into access to a more qualified and prepared talent pool—strengthening the local economy and supporting long-term business growth.
Shared Responsibility: A Collaborative Workforce Ecosystem
EmployIndy’s success is built on collaboration. With more than 170 education, training, and community-based partners and over 950 employer partners, we foster a shared commitment to workforce development. Our strategic plan emphasizes building partner capacity and leveraging systems knowledge to address barriers and create equitable opportunities. Each month, dozens of career navigators and service providers from around the city participate in professional development events, led by EmployIndy, to share best practices, learn about new opportunities for job seekers, and provide a space for shared strategic direction of local workforce development.
By aligning stakeholders around common goals, EmployIndy ensures that workforce solutions are not only effective but supportive—benefiting individuals, businesses, and the broader community.
A Model for Workforce Innovation
EmployIndy’s data-driven, collaborative approach offers a powerful model for workforce innovation. Whether helping employers navigate labor market trends or guiding professionals to improve service delivery, we are shaping a more responsive and resilient workforce system for Indianapolis.
Interested in getting connected? Contact our team at [email protected].
September is Workforce Development Month and EmployIndy is leading the way in building employer-driven workforce solutions. By engaging businesses at every step, EmployIndy ensures training matches real industry needs, reducing hiring gaps and boosting local economic growth. Across the Midwest Urban Strategies network, industry-driven strategies are at the heart of workforce success. By partnering with Howard Companies, a leader in asphalt paving and maintenance since 1960, we’re supporting training that leads directly to high-wage jobs in the construction sector.
Howard Companies knows that competitive wages and a strong company culture are key to retaining talent. With support from Next Level Jobs (NLJ) 7.0 funding, administered by EmployIndy, the company trained general laborers on heavy machinery during the off-season — a time when many would typically face layoffs due to weather. This proactive approach boosted morale, improved retention, and helped workers build skills and certifications that support long-term career growth.
“Our partnership with EmployIndy has been critical for us as we grow our workforce and improve our company culture,” said Andy Robison, General Manager at Howard Companies. “They’re committed to building strong local talent pipelines that benefit our businesses and our community.”
In addition to NLJ funding, Howard Companies also earned certification as a Good Wages Initiative employer, committing to pay full-time employees at least $18/hour and provide access to health insurance. Through weekly hiring events at WorkOne Indy, the company continues to connect directly with job seekers to fill high-demand roles.
In 2024, 1,233 unique businesses partnered with EmployIndy to strengthen their workforce strategies — from talent attraction and retention to leveraging labor market insights.
Interested in building your workforce with industry-driven solutions? Contact our team at [email protected].
