In today’s rapidly evolving economy, the success of a region depends on how well its systems—workforce development, education, economic growth, and community services—work together. At EmployIndy, this isn’t just a vision; it’s a strategy in action. 

As Indianapolis’ workforce development board, EmployIndy plays a pivotal role in aligning resources and partners to ensure job seekers receive the right support at the right time, and employers access the talent they need without unnecessary delays or duplication. Through cross-sector collaboration, policy advocacy, and innovative programming, EmployIndy builds an integrated system that maximizes resources and streamlines service delivery. 

Here’s how we’re making it happen: 

1. Bridging Classrooms and Careers

EmployIndy is transforming how young people prepare for the workforce by embedding career-connected learning into the K–12 experience. Through initiatives like Talent Bound and the Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP), students gain hands-on experience in high-demand industries such as healthcare, business operations, and advanced manufacturing. 

• Over 599 employers and 142 youth apprentices from 12 high schools are engaged in career-connected learning within these programs. 

• IPS student participation in work-based learning has increased by 600%. 

As part of the Accelerate ED initiative, EmployIndy helped launch a pathway blueprint for Cybersecurity that allows students to earn dual credits and industry-recognized certifications starting in 9th grade—setting them on a fast track to high-wage careers. 

2. Removing Barriers to Success

EmployIndy understands that career readiness goes beyond skills—it’s also about support. That’s why we’ve built a robust coaching and training infrastructure. Last year, 10,923 clients and participants enrolled in EmployIndy programs and initiatives to receive career coaching, training, and wraparound services. 

Indy Achieves, in partnership with IU Indianapolis, removes financial barriers to postsecondary education by promoting access to financial aid, offering Promise Scholarships and Completion Grants, and providing wraparound support services for Marion County students.  

• In 2024 alone, it supported 2,224 scholars, generating an estimated $11.8 million in economic benefit. 

The YES Indy network, in partnership with community-based organizations (CBO) across the city, offers job readiness training in tandem with barrier-busting supports like childcare and transportation.  

• Last year, YES Indy helped participants earn 275 certifications in high-demand fields. 

3. Matching People to Opportunity

EmployIndy’s Talent Connection initiatives, including WorkOne Indy, streamline how job seekers and employers connect—delivering efficient, targeted engagement. Through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and employer-driven programming, these efforts help reduce barriers to employment and accelerate hiring timelines. 

• 3,309 individuals were placed in good or promising jobs in 2024. 

• Last year, weekly hiring events at WorkOne Indy attracted 14,559 job seekers and connected them with 259 unique employers. 

By maximizing efficiency in the hiring process, EmployIndy’s Talent Connection efforts not only offer real-time access to opportunities across a wide range of industries but also help businesses fill roles more quickly with qualified candidates—creating a more agile and responsive labor market in Marion County. 

4. Building a Better Future

EmployIndy doesn’t just work within the system—we help improve it. As a lead partner in the New Skills Ready Network (NSRN), we are helping to form new partnerships between local school systems, higher education, employers, and government entities to develop pathways and policy recommendations that give underserved students access to higher education and real-world work experiences that lead to high-wage, in-demand jobs. 

• We’ve collaborated with IU Indianapolis and IPS to create a Seamless Admission process for students with a 3.0 GPA—eliminating application fees and paperwork. 

• We’ve influenced key legislation, including:
  • HB 1243: A new diploma focused on career readiness.
  • SB 8: Flexible postsecondary pathways.
  • HB 1001: Streamlined career scholarship and coaching grants.

• We’ve developed a Career Advising Framework now used statewide to guide career coaching in schools. 

5. Raising the Bar on Job Quality

Through the Good Wages Initiative (GWI), EmployIndy is working with Marion County employers to elevate job quality standards and strengthen the regional economy. This certification program recognizes businesses that pay a minimum of $18/hour and provide access to health insurance for full-time employees—two key indicators of sustainable employment. 

•  To date, 128 employers have been certified for paying at least $18/hour and offering health benefits. 

• Last year, this resulted in $5.81 million in increased wages, improving retention and economic mobility for workers.  

By raising wages and expanding benefits, the Good Wages Initiative fosters a resilient, inclusive labor market that benefits workers, employers, and the broader community. 

The Power of Partnership: A Model for Modern Workforce Development 

At the heart of EmployIndy’s success is its role as a strategic convener. By bringing together K–12 schools, higher education institutions, employers, workforce partners, and community organizations, EmployIndy ensures that systems are aligned, and resources are maximized. This collaborative approach creates a seamless pipeline from education to employment—one that’s responsive to both individual needs and regional economic demands. 

This integrated approach reflects EmployIndy’s commitment to building a coordinated network that reduces duplication, accelerates access to opportunity, and delivers measurable outcomes for individuals and employers alike. 

Interested in getting involved? Reach out to [email protected] to get connected.