The Indiana Department of Education is now accepting applications for its new Explore, Engage, and Experience Grant. The grant is available for Indiana’s schools and local partners – including employers – as they work to expand students’ access to pathways leading to high-wage, high-demand careers.
The grant focuses on increasing the number of students engaging in work-based learning and earning high-value credentials while in high school, such as the Indiana College Core, an associate degree or a career and technical education certificate. The grant also encourages schools to expand access to career exploration and engagement opportunities for students in elementary and middle school.
To support these goals, schools, nonprofit organizations, education service centers, higher education institutions and employers are encouraged to collaborate on plans to implement locally-driven, strategic career pathways for their students. These plans should identify positive, measurable outcomes for students, including increased access, enrollment and completion of a Next Level Programs of Study, the Indiana College Core or a Graduation Pathway high-value credential.
A total of $25 million is available through this grant to support locally-driven plans. This funding is allocated as part of the state’s federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III plan. Interested applicants can submit their online application here. Applications are due on Friday, May 13.
The Indiana Chamber’s Work and Learn Indiana program, part of the organization’s Institute for Workforce Excellence, is expected to announce a workshop on this grant very soon.
Jason Bearce is vice president of education & workforce development for the Indiana Chamber. He has been with the organization since 2018 and previously held senior leadership positions at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and Indiana Department of Education.
