The Indiana Chamber is grateful to the Strada Education Foundation for releasing the 2025 State Opportunity Index (SOI) and for shining a light on the shared responsibility we all have in advancing opportunity through education and work. We are especially appreciative that Strada highlighted the EARN (Employment Aid Readiness Network) program — an acknowledgment of Indiana’s continued leadership in work-based learning and employer engagement.
The EARN program exemplifies how coordinated partnerships among employers, educators and the state can provide meaningful, paid experiences that prepare students for high-demand careers. It demonstrates Indiana’s ability to operationalize work-based learning — connecting thousands of students to internships and learning opportunities while helping employers build a reliable talent pipeline.
Strengthening employer alignment is essential to ensure that degrees translate into sustainable, high-wage employment. We are continuing to partner with employers, educators, state government and workforce leaders to help better align the workforce and education ecosystem.
Sustained focus on reducing financial barriers, expanding work-based learning and ensuring access to high-value credentials will be critical to achieving the state’s strategic priorities and that of the Chamber’s Indiana Prosperity 2035 goals.
These findings within the State Opportunity Index are both a reflection and a call to action. We are proud that Indiana is recognized and grateful to the Strada Education Foundation for highlighting the impact of our collective efforts. While moving forward, we remain committed to deepening partnerships that help individuals gain the skills, credentials, and experiences needed to thrive — and to ensuring every Hoosier business and future workforce can participate fully in the state’s growing economy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sally Saydshoev is executive director of the Institute for Workforce Excellence (IWE). The IWE is a subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and is dedicated to helping Indiana attract, develop and retain the Hoosier talent needed to drive a highly skilled workforce.
