The city of Indianapolis and the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township have unveiled a partnership focused on workforce development and improving neighborhood quality of life. The city says it will allocate $300,000 to fund adult education programs for Marion County residents in opportunity job sectors that are in high-demand but have unfilled positions. An additional $90,000 will go toward the district’s Area 31 Student Construction Vocational Program.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the partnership shows the power of the public and private sectors coming together to not only help adults find jobs, but prepare young people for high-wage jobs that are currently in demand.
“I don’t think that there is anything that warms my heart, and I’m sure I speak for many, many parents throughout the Indianapolis community, for a young person who’s about ready to graduate from high school to truly have many, many different options and many opportunities. That’s what we ought to be giving each and every one of our young people.”
The city says the adult education programs target industries including HVAC, welding, clinical certified medical assisting and dental assisting.
The Area 31 Student Construction Vocational Program provides students with real-world work experience in high-wage, high-demand jobs in Marion County. Monday’s announcement took place at a home built by students enrolled in that program. Area 31 students have built two homes, with a third set to be complete by the end of the school year and construction on a fourth to begin in August.
The city and school district say economic and development nonprofit Indy Gateway played a key role in putting the agreement together. The organization pushes for the revitalization of westside neighborhoods.
