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?
Across Indianapolis, EmployIndy is building partnerships with educators and employers to create opportunities for young people to explore careers, gain real-world experience before they graduate, and get paid.
Students are discovering pathways to meaningful careers while employers are strengthening their future talent pipelines and investing in the next generation of skilled workers. Apprenticeships allow employers to develop talent early, build critical skills within their workforce, and connect students to careers right here in Indianapolis.
Through EmployIndy’s Modern Apprenticeship Program, Morgan has jump-started her career in human resources with the Indianapolis Airport Authority.
Ready to explore how apprenticeships can benefit your students or your business?
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].
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.
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].
With a competitive local job market in Central Indiana, particularly in sectors requiring specialized skills, both job seekers and businesses often face challenges in finding the right match. EmployIndy’s Talent Connection bridges that gap by matching qualified candidates with roles that align with their skills and career goals, while helping businesses fill critical positions with job-ready talent. We’re excited to share that we’ve surpassed the milestone of 1,000 candidates connected to good and promising jobs. With an average salary of $63,781, these placements align with EmployIndy’s goal of supporting businesses as they invest in job quality and wage equity practices to provide high-quality experiences for their workers to prosper.
For job seekers like Bryan T., our Talent Connection team’s tenacious, consistent communication and follow-ups were key in helping him get connected. A military veteran with a highly skilled and specialized background, Bryan lacked connections and an established network in Central Indiana, making his employment search a challenge. “I was working with several job search assistance programs with no luck before being referred to EmployIndy,” said Bryan. “I was more than a piece of paper or number and I’m sincerely thankful for their support and guidance.” Through EmployIndy Talent Connection, Bryan was connected to Knowledge Services where he’s now a Senior Information Systems Security Officer. Bryan’s journey is one of many that demonstrate how personalized support and employer partnerships can transform lives—and strengthen our local workforce.
While job seekers benefit from personalized support, EmployIndy Talent Connection also delivers measurable value to employers. In the past year alone, 1,233 unique businesses partnered with EmployIndy to strengthen their workforce strategies—from talent attraction and retention to leveraging labor market insights.
“EmployIndy has helped ensure that our programming remains aligned with broader workforce strategies and that it provides meaningful opportunities in healthcare for young talent in Marion County,” said Claudia W. Montes Salinas, Senior Project Manager at IU Health. “With their help, we’re inspiring the next generation of professionals.” Through IU Health’s Mosaic Center, they have had a strong and consistent partnership with EmployIndy, resulting in better outcomes for their clients and our city’s residents.
Employers: Interested in connecting with qualified local talent? Reach out to our team at [email protected].
EmployIndy partner Dallara established its first U.S. location in Speedway, IN in 2012, with an initial focus on motorsports. Since then, the company has broadened its scope to include defense, aerospace, and e-sports, resulting in rebranding as the Dallara Experience Hub. Over time, they have successfully leveraged EmployIndy resources to develop their talent pipeline and take their organization to the next level.
Dallara has long demonstrated a commitment to youth development, offering work-based learning opportunities and employing motorsports engineering interns from IUPUI. Dallarra and EmployIndy’s partnership began with the Talent Bound program, welcoming high school students for facility tours and career exploration and hosting TIE IN Events. They also recently joined the Modern Apprenticeship Program, hiring a student from Purdue Polytechnic High School for a three-year apprenticeship as well as recently hosting the Modern Apprenticeship Signing Day 2025, further demonstrating its dedication to workforce development and community engagement.
Additionally, the company leveraged the Next Level Jobs Training Grant to upskill employees in composite technology, quality control, and CATIA V5 software. Terri Talbert Hatch, Administrative Consultant at Dallara, shared that “the Next Level Job Training Grants forced us to be more organized in our training. In the racing business, things move fast and can quickly pivot. But with the grants, we have to think, prepare, organize, and set aside specific time for training. This benefits everyone within the organization.”
Continuing its educational mission, Dallara recently celebrated the grand opening of the Purdue University Indianapolis Motorsports Engineering Program within its facility. This collaboration allows students to engage in both classroom instruction and hands-on technical work on race cars, helping to cultivate a highly skilled workforce for the racing industry.
