INDIANAPOLIS (December 10, 2015) – Earlier today, the National Governors Association (NGA) announced Indiana as one of six states to receive $100,000 in funding and technical assistance to participate in the NGA’s Policy Academy on Work-Based Learning. Indiana will be able to leverage this grant funding to assist in determining best practices and to create programs designed to align Work-Based Learning experiences to employer demand. More specifically, Indiana will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) industries. First established by Indiana House Enrolled Act 1002 during the 2013 session of the Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana Career Council, Chaired by Governor Mike Pence, has identified the statewide strategic goal of creating an additional 10,000 Work-Based Learning opportunities in the immediate future.
“I’m thankful that the National Governors Association has chosen Indiana as one of the few states in the country to participate in its Policy Academy on Work-Based Learning,” said Governor Mike Pence. “Indiana is leading the way for education reform and ensuring that our high school students graduate college and career ready. This additional funding and technical assistance will help Indiana remain at the top of its class when it comes to work-based learning and career and technical education opportunities.”
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the National Governors Association (NGA) for their assistance throughout this entire process and for selecting The Hoosier State as a recipient of these resources,” said Steven J. Braun, Commissioner of The Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “As Indiana was one of only six states awarded these funds and related technical assistance, it is clear that we are viewed on a national level as innovators in employer demand-driven workforce development. I would also like to thank all of the participating stakeholders throughout the process for their dedication in securing these resources for The Hoosier State.”
Braun noted that relevant stakeholders who offered their support and whose participation was vital to obtaining NGA funds and training resources include The Indiana Commission for Higher Education, The Indiana Department of Education, The Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Ivy Tech Community College, The Indiana Association of Career and Technical Education Directors, Conexus Indiana, The Indiana Afterschool Network, The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, and The Indiana State Board of Education.
For more information about the National Governors Association and the NGA Center for Best Practices, visit www.nga.org.
