Franklin Central Students Tackle Tech, AI with Help from Talent Bound and Blaizing Academy

At a time when employers report an increasing mismatch between the skills required for their industry and those of the emerging workforce, EmployIndy’s Talent Bound program provides students access to authentic work-based learning experiences that increase informed decision making and develop critical skills needed to succeed in the future of work.  

As Employers partner with EmployIndy through Talent Bound, they make available activities such as job fairs, mentoring sessions, workplace tours, and paid employment opportunities that spotlight their industry  and create a talent pipeline of future workers, some with industry skills.  

At Franklin Central High School, EmployIndy partner Blaizing Academy is equipping students with the skills necessary for success in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Under the guidance of Blaizing Academy’s VP of Learning, Chris Daily, 23 students participated in a four-month, project-based Talent Challenge, where they were tasked with creating possible solutions to real-world issues in the Information Technology (IT) space. During the Talent Challenge, these students developed key skills in project management, teamwork, and website development, with a particular emphasis on the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence.  

The program’s success, marked by enthusiastic student engagement and skill acquisition, has simultaneously propelled Blaizing Academy’s mission to significantly impact students’ preparedness for their futures all while helping to provide industry exposure for the in-demand IT pathway. Going forward, the students will take their industry experience with them as they participate in more career-connected learning activities or pursue employment opportunities made available through Talent Bound.