Having experienced recent struggles in both attracting and retaining their workforce, Project Indy employer AMC Indianapolis 17 partnered with Mayor Hogsett’s youth jobs initiative to host an in-person hiring event at the theater. With Project Indy’s support in organizing and promoting the event to young people, the theater was able to conduct interviews and make offers to promising candidates like Samm Cherry, 17, a recent early graduate from George Washington High School. 

“We had just had a period where we were struggling to get applicants to come in and even the people that were coming in weren't sticking around,” said Jacob Harrison, HR Manager at AMC Indianapolis 17. “Project Indy helped us get in front of candidates like Samm, and it was clear in her interview by her confidence and interaction that she had prior experience and training in the workplace.” 

In partnering with Project Indy to hire in-school and out-of-school youth throughout Marion County, local employers provide employability skill development and job-readiness training to our future workforce. They also benefit by creating a talent pipeline for their business or industry. 

Out of nearly 20 candidates that participated in interviews at the event, 6 were offered positions and hired at the theater, including Samm. She credits a paid internship at the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) as vital in helping her begin to develop customer service skills and learn how to navigate the professional world. But after having that internship cut short due to funding issues, she jumped at the chance to participate in the AMC hiring event.  

“It was nice to apply and have the chance to interview right away, as it cut out a lot of the anticipation of applying for jobs and then having to wait,” said Cherry. “My parents have always encouraged me to be the best version of myself, so I made sure to come prepared with some questions for the interviewer.” 

With applications submitted to both Indiana University and the University of Illinois Springfield, her job at AMC has not only been important in giving her the opportunity to learn new practical skills like cashiering and cleaning but also has become a vital source of income as she saves for tuition and books. While aiming to pursue a degree in either business administration or business analytics, she’s glad to know that AMC’s transfer program will allow her to support herself in a new location if or when that time comes.   

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, Project Indy has empowered young adults in Marion County by providing work experiences that build their employability skills and allow them to explore new career fields. In 2024, over 1,575 young people in Indianapolis were connected to job opportunities through Project Indy. 

Youth interested in joining the Project Indy platform can get started by simply texting “ProjectIndy” to 317-659-9657 or visiting projectindy.net. 

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 including Indy 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. 

To learn more about EmployIndy’s work in providing guidance to career coaches and advisors, visit www.employindy.org.