Indianapolis, IN – Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the enhancement of five local workforce service providers who have been funded to design innovative career development opportunities for young adults. EmployIndy, Marion County’s workforce development board, will disperse more than $700,000 to provide pathways to successful futures for young adults facing barriers. This investment complements Project Indy, a key youth employment initiative of Mayor Hogsett as well as his recent call for criminal justice reform in the City of Indianapolis.

“Today’s announcement reinforces the commitment of this city towards providing positive educational and employment opportunities for our young residents who are most in need of opportunity,” said Mayor Hogsett. “I look forward to seeing the impact these enhancements will have on our neighborhoods as we invest in our residents, and give our young people the skills they need to fill the growing number of open jobs that will drive the Indianapolis economy forward.”

In Marion County, an estimated 30,000 “Opportunity Youth” residents, ages 16-24, are without a high school diploma or equivalent, not in school or not in the labor force, and are on a path to crime and sustained poverty. The City of Indianapolis’ commitment to providing opportunities for area youth has led to the release of funding to help create or expand existing training and employment programs to help remove barriers to successful completion and job seeking. These partnerships were sought after to meet the unique needs of opportunity youth and young adults, preparing them with 21st century skills and ensuring they have the information needed to make smart career choices. Recipients of this funding are Fathers and Families, Flanner House, Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Keys to Work and Southeast Community Services.

“This is an exciting time for EmployIndy, and our city, as we come together to enhance community partnerships for maximum success,” said Angie Carr Klitzsch, EmployIndy’s president and CEO. “We want our investment to be responsive and intentional to the needs of our area, while assembling a local workforce system that is community-centric. Our area’s future is dependent on the opportunities available for youth and young adults, and this funding will open doors for many who are needed to keep our region’s workforce thriving.”

Funding for these efforts is part of EmployIndy’s annual Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act allocation, which requires 75 percent of youth funding to be directed towards out-of-school youth, ages 16-24, and requires the inclusion of fourteen mandated elements:

• Tutoring
• Alternative secondary services
• Paid/unpaid work experiences
• Occupational skills training
• Concurrent education
• Leadership development
• Supportive services
• Mentoring
• Follow-up services
• Guidance and counseling
• Entrepreneurial skills
• Labor market information
• Post-secondary education
• Financial literacy

Currently, EmployIndy invests 34 percent of its total budget toward youth programs and initiatives. For more information and media availabilities please contact Brian Van Bokkelen, EmployIndy’s communications manager.

Download the information sheet

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About EmployIndy
EmployIndy is a Marion County nonprofit organization that provides expertise, identifies tools and prioritizes resources to develop, create or find the best talent needed to power the Marion County economy. Guided by a 21-member board composed of business, civic, education and nonprofit community leaders, EmployIndy guides the investment of public and private funds to meet the needs of Indianapolis businesses and residents. For more information visit www.EmployIndy.org.