The event celebrated employers and organizations creating inclusive workplace practices, while raising funds to support opportunities that connect talent with good jobs across Marion County.
INDIANAPOLIS — On Thursday, Mayor Joe Hogsett, EmployIndy, the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, community leaders, and over 70 local employers gathered at the 25th Annual Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards to recognize employers who are leading the way in creating inclusive and supportive workplaces. This year’s event took place at the Grand Hall in Union Station at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, with over 450 in attendance.
This event celebrates the work of supporting accessible pathways to quality careers for Indianapolis residents, with proceeds benefiting EmployIndy programs that support job-readiness training, soft-skill development, postsecondary persistence, work-based learning, and access to quality employment.
“EmployIndy is honored to join the City of Indianapolis in recognizing organizations that are leading by example in creating equitable access to career opportunities,” said Ken Clark, president & CEO of EmployIndy. “When employers and community partners invest in people and their potential and remove barriers so everyone can benefit, we create a workforce that is prepared to thrive and meet the needs of our region and its people.”
As the event celebrated its 25-year history spanning three mayoral administrations, former mayors Bart Peterson and Greg Ballard joined Mayor Joe Hogsett at the podium to reflect on why the celebration was created and how Indianapolis has remained committed to expanding opportunity and accessibility, recognizing talent, and ensuring every resident can contribute to the community’s success.
In total, five awards were given at this year’s event with unique focuses including celebrating the quality of services delivered by community-based organizations, excelling in youth employment, and diversity in workforce and leadership.
This year’s award winners are:
The Community-Based Organization Workforce Impact Award was awarded to Fathers and Families Center, for their approach that goes beyond employment, providing wraparound support that includes job and skilled-trades training, case management, and mental health and substance use counseling.
The Dr. Polter Excellence in Youth Employment Award was awarded to EM Company, Inc for their belief in investing in young adults as the future of their company, providing opportunities for formal training, mentorship, coaching, and career counseling to help them grow in their chosen fields.
The Diversity in Workforce Award was awarded to Morning Light for their intentional work to remove barriers that can prevent residents, particularly those from underrepresented communities, from entering careers in healthcare.
The Diversity in Leadership Award was awarded to Community Research and Resource Center for making diversity foundational to its mission, with Black and women leaders at the helm and a commitment to ensuring historically underserved communities have equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Sam H. Jones ‘Best of the Best’ was awarded to Black Onyx Management for their investment in diverse communities through access to capital, ongoing support for Black entrepreneurs, and philanthropy that strengthens Black-led organizations across Indianapolis.
Individuals who are interested in supporting opportunities that connect talent with good jobs across Marion County through EmployIndy can learn more and donate online.
For many college students, earning a degree is only one part of preparing for a successful career. Navigating the college experience, building professional networks, gaining relevant work experience and understanding how to transition from the classroom to the workforce can be challenging, particularly for first-generation students and those balancing competing responsibilities.
To help students build the skills, connections and confidence needed to succeed, EmployIndy and Chief Deputy Mayor Chris Bailey welcomed over 55 Indy Achieves scholars from Indiana University Indianapolis to the 2026 Indy Achieves Leadership Summit at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library.
Designed as a day of professional development and career exploration, the summit brought together students, employers, community leaders and workforce partners to support scholars as they prepare for internships, careers and long-term success. Participants connected with employers during an internship fair, attended workshops focused on resume writing, financial literacy and professional skills development, and heard from local entrepreneurs and civic leaders during a panel discussion hosted by IndyHub.
A highlight of the event was a visit from Chief Deputy Mayor Chris Bailey, who spoke with students about Indianapolis’ growing job market and the city’s commitment to expanding career opportunities and increasing earning potential for young professionals.
“Events like the leadership summit demonstrate what makes Indy Achieves so impactful,” said Esther Woodson, senior director of Indy Achieves at EmployIndy. “Students need more than financial support to reach their goals. Through one-on-one coaching, career guidance and meaningful connections with employers, we’re helping scholars build confidence, navigate challenges and see a clear pathway from college to a rewarding career in Indianapolis.”
Thank you to IU Indianapolis Foundation and Republic Services/Blue Polymers for your support and for making this opportunity possible.
The summit reflects the broader mission of Indy Achieves, which was launched by Mayor Hogsett in 2018 and is led by EmployIndy. The initiative works to close Indianapolis’ skills gap by expanding access to postsecondary education, eliminating equity gaps and ensuring students have the support and resources needed to earn and complete high-quality credentials.
Student success coaching remains a cornerstone of the program’s impact. Research has shown the coaching model can increase postsecondary retention rates by as much as 13% compared with peers, helping students persist through challenges and stay on track to graduation. Last year, 142 Indy Achieves scholars graduated from IU Indianapolis with coaching and support from the program.
Beyond helping individual students succeed, Indy Achieves strengthens Indianapolis’ talent pipeline and economy. Each year, the initiative generates an estimated annual economic impact of more than $11.8 million through successful postsecondary completion, underscoring the value of investing in student success and workforce readiness.
By connecting scholars with coaching, career development resources and employer relationships, the 2026 Leadership Summit reinforced Indy Achieves’ commitment to helping more Indianapolis students achieve their educational goals and launch successful careers.
On Wednesday, June 17, EmployIndy celebrated 28 young adults who successfully completed career training through YES Indy, the organization’s initiative connecting Marion County youth to education, training and employment pathways.
The event recognized participants across three distinct career tracks: certified clinical medical assistant, construction and advanced manufacturing. While each pathway offers a unique experience, all participants received access to adult basic education, job readiness training and support services designed to remove barriers and prepare them for long-term success.
Through YES Indy, EmployIndy continues to meet young people where they are, connecting them to training opportunities that align with in-demand industries and offering a clear path forward.
Building career pathways through hands-on training
Each training cohort provided participants with meaningful, hands-on experiences tailored to their chosen field.
Certified clinical medical assistant training
Participants pursuing careers in health care gained real-world exposure to clinical environments through lab work and clinical experiences, along with dedicated lab hours to build and strengthen technical skills.
Construction training
Participants in the construction pathway focused on building a strong educational and credential foundation, earning their high school equivalency alongside industry-recognized certifications, including NCCER and CPR and first aid.
Advanced manufacturing training
Those in advanced manufacturing developed both technical and leadership skills, earning the Catapult Advanced Manufacturing standardized work training certificate and the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council certification while strengthening workplace readiness.
Across all three pathways, participants also received job placement assistance following completion, helping them take the next step into employment or continued education.
Strengthening connections that support success
Programs like YES Indy are designed as an earn-and-learn model, giving young adults ages 18 to 24 the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build career-ready skills, all while getting paid. This approach is especially impactful for young people facing barriers to employment or education, offering both immediate support and long-term opportunity.
EmployIndy’s partnerships play a critical role in delivering this impact. Community-based organizations like Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, Nehemiah Project CDC, and Public Advocates in Community re-Entry (PACE), each of which led a cohort, help build trust and provide the wraparound support participants need to succeed.
“The success of YES Indy reinforces what we know, that investing in young people works. This is how we build a stronger workforce,” said Ken Clark, president and CEO of EmployIndy. “We’re thankful for the continued trust and shared commitment to investing in our communities and supporting our residents, specifically our next generation of skilled professionals.”
Creating lasting impact for Indianapolis youth
In 2025, 681 young people participated in YES Indy services. More than half transitioned into education, credential training or career pathways, generating $17.1 million in community impact.
By aligning training with employer demand and providing comprehensive support along the way, YES Indy is helping more young people take meaningful steps toward sustainable careers.
Thank you to our training and community partners
EmployIndy extends its gratitude to the training and community partners who helped make these training opportunities a success:
For thousands of young adults in Indianapolis, the path forward can feel uncertain. In the Indianapolis metro area alone, an estimated 24,300 youth, 16 to 24 years of age, are disconnected from critical pathways to economic and educational stability.
EmployIndy’s PIVOT League, an eight-week basketball league hosted in partnership with The City League, is designed to meet young people where they are, creating a welcoming and engaging entry point to YES Indy services. YES Indy is an EmployIndy program that partners with community organizations to connect young people to education pathways, job training, and personalized support that helps them build the life they want.
2026 PIVOT League Champions:
Team Wii Connect
Congratulations to Team Wii Connect on winning the 2026 PIVOT League!
While the competition on the court is intense, the league is about far more than basketball. Players gain access to a range of resources through YES Indy, including opportunities to complete their high school education, receive career coaching, and earn industry-recognized certifications in fields like health care, advanced manufacturing and construction. YES Indy also addresses common barriers such as transportation, housing, and childcare, ensuring young people have the support they need to succeed.
For Omavi Banks, 25, the PIVOT League became a turning point.
“Being in the Pivot League was a blessing,” Banks said.
Banks first connected with EmployIndy and YES Indy through the league, where he has served as a team captain for several years. Initially drawn in by the opportunity to play competitive basketball, he quickly realized the experience offered something deeper. What set the PIVOT League apart, Banks explained, was the level of care and intentional support offered to participants.
“They also cared about the individual,” he said. “And when you’re in the league, you can’t just play and then you leave.”
Instead, each participant is encouraged to connect with career navigators and explore resources available through YES Indy.
“It’s definitely a big part,” Banks said. “They have all these different resources available to young people that many of us are not aware of.”
This model transforms the league into more than a recreational outlet. For many players, it becomes a structured support system focused on long-term growth and stability.
“Overall, it’s like a mentorship program in a way,” Banks said. “Especially when you’re showing that you’re engaged and that you’re trying and you want to do more. The league is there not only for you to do more athletically but do more mentally as well.”
Today, Banks is looking ahead, with a vision rooted in community impact. He hopes to develop comprehensive plans that improve socioeconomic outcomes in underserved neighborhoods, including increased access to education, financial resources, and green spaces.
His story reflects EmployIndy’s broader mission to intentionally reach young adults who are disconnected from traditional pathways and help them discover new possibilities.
In 2025, 681 young people participated in YES Indy services. More than half transitioned into education, credential training, or career pathways—generating $17.1 million in community impact.
Young people looking to get connected to education, job training, and career support?
Central Indiana employers have been clear: make engagement with schools easy, consistent, and impactful—and they will participate. EmployIndy is delivering on that expectation through a coordinated, employer‑driven approach to talent development.
On April 16, EmployIndy convened education and industry partners from across Marion County at the Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC) to advance this work. The full‑day partner meeting focused on aligning high school career pathways with real workforce needs, strengthening student experiences, and simplifying how businesses engage with schools.
During the morning session, employers and educators reviewed pathway branding, explored labor market insights tied to employability skills, and discussed scalable models for industry engagement. The message from business leaders was consistent: when partnerships are streamlined and outcomes are clear, employer participation grows.
The afternoon shifted to action. Educators examined current pathway offerings, aligned on a standardized partnership handbook process, and reviewed the 9th–12th Grade Guaranteed Experiences Continuum—ensuring students gain meaningful exposure to careers before graduation. This intentional alignment helps employers connect with better‑prepared candidates while reducing the burden of navigating multiple school partnerships.
This work is led through the Career Collaborative, a partnership between EmployIndy and CIESC grounded in the Partners for Professions framework. By creating a centralized partnership hub, standardizing engagement, and aligning pathways with labor market demand, the collaborative transforms work‑based learning into a strategic talent development solution—one that delivers real return on investment for employers.
As Indiana implements new work‑based learning requirements for the Class of 2029, employers have a timely opportunity to shape the future workforce, strengthen hiring pipelines, and support long‑term workforce sustainability.
This is not just community engagement. It is workforce strategy.
If you’re interested in streamlining your school engagement, accessing emerging talent, and helping shape Central Indiana’s future workforce, connect with:
Tracy Murphy Senior Director, Business Partnerships [email protected]
Together, we can build the workforce your business needs to compete and grow.
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.
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.”
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.
On Wednesday, August 20, EmployIndy and Indy Achieves hosted the 2025 Indy Achieves Leadership Summit, welcoming 50 postsecondary students from IU Indianapolis and Ivy Tech Community College. Attendees engaged with local professionals, received resume and interview support, explored local internship opportunities, and attended workshops focused on personal finance, mental health, pursuing a graduate degree, and building a career within the healthcare industry.
A highlight of the event was a visit from Mayor Joe Hogsett, who spoke about Indianapolis’s growing job market and the city’s commitment to expanding career opportunities and earning potential for young professionals.
Indy Achieves, launched by Mayor Hogsett in 2018 and housed at EmployIndy, aims to close the city’s skills gap by increasing the number of residents with high-quality credentials to 65% by 2027. The initiative also works to eliminate attainment gaps for minority students by promoting access to financial aid, offering Promise Scholarships and Completion Grants, and providing wraparound support services for Marion County students.
“Indy Achieves exists because we know that talent is everywhere—but opportunity isn’t,” said Marie Mackintosh, president and CEO of EmployIndy. “That’s why we’re committed to removing barriers, investing in student success, and making sure every Indianapolis resident has the chance to earn a credential, complete a degree, and pursue a career that leads to economic prosperity.”
In 2024, 2,224 Indy Achieves Scholars received coaching and support, with an estimated annual economic impact of $11.8 million upon successful postsecondary completion. A feature of the initiative, the student success coaching model has boosted postsecondary retention by up to 13% compared to peers.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.indyachieves.org.
EmployIndy, alongside our employer and school partners, gathered at the Dallara Experience Hub in Speedway to proudly recognized 17 modern youth apprentices who graduated from the Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP), as well as introduced a new fifth cohort of apprentices and employers participating in the program at the 2025 Modern Apprenticeship Signing Day event.
MAP, a three-year program, connects Marion County high school students with local employers, providing a path toward discovering passions and developing skills to help them thrive in growing and in-demand industries including healthcare, information technology, education, business operations, financial services, and more.
During their time in the program, each graduating apprentice from the first cohort earned their high school diploma, an hourly income from their employer, college credits, industry certifications and credentials, and first-hand, relevant job experience—multiplying their options after graduation. The new fifth cohort of 16 apprentices, selected from hundreds of applicants, will begin the program in their junior year of high school, splitting their time between the classroom and the workplace.
“We’re always excited to celebrate these groups of students who are taking control of their futures with the opportunity to earn money, college credit, and professional connections while still in school,” says Marie Mackintosh, President + CEO of EmployIndy. “Our employer partners are invaluable in not only equipping these young professionals with valuable skills, mentorship, and opportunities for long-term success, but also finding a strategic solution to close the skills gap and co-develop their next generation of workers.”
As a talent strategy and experience offered through Talent Bound, EmployIndy’s career-connected learning continuum, MAP helps employers tap into diverse talent pools—building strong talent pipelines to meet both short- and long-term staffing needs. The program creates a structure for employers and educators to be part of workforce solutions while removing barriers, so all Marion County students have equitable access to career-ready training and jobs in high-demand fields.
The Modern Apprenticeship Signing Day event, taking place annually, marks the beginning of the apprentice-employer journey as the students sign a formal certificate of acceptance for their positions. As part of this commitment, the employer will mentor and support the student as they navigate an in-demand role within their respective organization. During the 3-year experience, EmployIndy, Marion County’s workforce development board, actively supports apprentices, employers, and general programmatic outcomes for Modern Apprenticeship.
On Wednesday, April 30th, EmployIndy hosted over 90 career coaching practitioners at the 2025 Career Coaching and Advising Summit, a full-day event designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of those who work directly with K-12 and postsecondary students, ensuring they are well-equipped to support the seamless transitions into further education or the workforce our students need for successful futures.
As businesses grow, the demand for workers with specialized skills and postsecondary training has become increasingly urgent as most jobs now require more than a high school education. However, navigating postsecondary options, including advanced training and certifications, can be challenging for both students and jobseekers, leading to low rates of persistence and completion. Coaching and career advising services that provide personalized guidance and support are essential to helping individuals choose the right education or training paths.
“It’s vitally important for the career coaches and advisors in our community to be supported to help deliver the best possible outcome for our students, in a way that matches the needs of our employers and growing businesses,” says Marie Mackintosh, EmployIndy’s president and CEO. “This summit, with the help of our ecosystem partners, was an important step towards this goal.”
During the summit, attendees participated in a series of sessions aimed at deepening their understanding of career coaching and advising, including a keynote address by Carletta Clark, community and business development manager at JP Morgan Chase & Co. Session content centered around proven methodologies for career development, emphasizing effective approaches to guiding students in their career choices, growth and transitions. Attendees also heard directly from students who have benefitted from coaching and training, during a student panel that included participants from EmployIndy programs includingIndy Achieves, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) and YES Indy.
Information and guidance vital to providing quality coaching and advising was a strong focus at the summit, including trends in labor market information (LMI) and helpful tools to ensure career guidance is meeting both current and future job market needs. Throughout the summit, participants had the opportunity to connect with fellow advisors, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to the challenges they encounter in their work.
On February 11th, Lilliana Mendoza stood on stage in front of over 110 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) students from 15 local high schools and 3 local middle schools as she was named JAG Indy’s Outstanding Senior at the 2025 Regional Career Development Conference (CDC), an annual career development competition where students can demonstrate the employability skills they have learned in their JAG classrooms over the course of the past year.
For Mendoza, a senior at Arsenal Technical High School, caring for those in her community and prioritizing her education have been important values, instilled in her by her parents, that have helped her be an active leader in her JAG program. Nominated by her peers to serve as JAG student president, Mendoza logged 160 hours of volunteer work with Meals on Wheels during summer breaks.
“JAG gives you a place to be your best,” said Mendoza when asked what made the program special. In addition to offering students career-connected learning experiences and opportunities to build their leadership and employability skills, JAG Indy utilizes “Specialists”, who are located full-time in participating schools, to support students with ongoing career guidance.
After having doubts about which path to take after graduation, Mendoza sat down with her JAG Specialist at Arsenal Tech, Dejanae King, to identify her skills and interests that could lead to a rewarding career. Having cared for animals from a young age, they explored related career pathways, with Mendoza ultimately applying for and being accepted into Purdue University’s Pre-veterinary Medicine program.
In addition to the support that JAG students receive from their Specialist while in high school, they also receive regular follow-ups after graduation. “My JAG Specialist is very supportive, and I think the check-ins will help keep me accountable as I pursue my degree,” said Mendoza.
Being named the Outstanding Senior for region 12, Mendoza will move on to compete for the top honor against the other eleven workforce development regions at the JAG State Career Development Conference in March.
JAG Indy is a state-affiliated program, based on a national model, that aims to keep young people in school through graduation and provide career-connected learning experiences that will lead to career advancement opportunities, or enrollment in a postsecondary institution that leads to a rewarding career. Having recently expanded with new programs at two Marion County high schools and six Marion County middle schools in 2024, JAG Indy programs boasted a 98% graduation rate as well as a 75% full-time positive outcome rate, with the latter highlighting the percentage of students that entered full-time employment and/or further education.
Click here to check out the full list of winners from this year’s JAG Indy Regional Career Development Conference.
As a talent strategy and experience offered through Talent Bound, EmployIndy’s career-connected learning continuum, MAP helps employers tap into diverse talent pools—building strong talent pipelines to meet both short- and long-term staffing needs. The program creates a structure for employers and educators to be part of workforce solutions while removing barriers, so all Marion County students have equitable access to career-ready training and jobs in high-demand fields. 
During the summit, attendees participated in a series of sessions aimed at deepening their understanding of career coaching and advising, including a keynote address by Carletta Clark, community and business development manager at JP Morgan Chase & Co. Session content centered around proven methodologies for career development, emphasizing effective approaches to guiding students in their career choices, growth and transitions. Attendees also heard directly from students who have benefitted from coaching and training, during a student panel that included participants from EmployIndy programs including
For Mendoza, a senior at Arsenal Technical High School, caring for those in her community and prioritizing her education have been important values, instilled in her by her parents, that have helped her be an active leader in her JAG program. Nominated by her peers to serve as JAG student president, Mendoza logged 160 hours of volunteer work with Meals on Wheels during summer breaks. 
