Economic Opportunities 2015 (EcO₁₅)

Economic Opportunities 2015 (EcO₁₅) is an ambitious effort building upon Southern Indiana’s economic growth areas which include Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare Services, and Hospitality/Tourism.

EcO₁₅ will help in:

• Moving residents up one level in their education, training, and/or job placement.
• Develop career pathways
• Create career awareness
• Grow community and regional leadership
• Identify catalytic ideas for progress
• View more information »

Dream It Do It Campaign

CEC, in collaboration with the Region 9 Workforce Board is leading the Southeast Indiana campaign to inform and educate young adults (16-26 years) about careers in the advanced manufacturing sector. The Southeast Indiana region is one of seven national sites working to:

• Promote an accurate vision of today’s advanced manufacturing
• Provide career information, guidance, and links to training, internships and jobs
• Develop local education and training strategies to fill gaps in advanced manufacturing skills
• For more information visit: www.dreamit-doit.com

Healthcare/Nursing

CEC has partnered with Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University and area hospitals to expand degree programs to address a shortage of certified nurses in regional hospitals and healthcare institutions created by improved healthcare services, retirements and normal attrition. Community resources and area hospitals provided financial support of over $1,000,000 which persuaded the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, State Board of Nursing and central office administrators at IUPUI and Ivy Tech to allow expansion of nursing programs at both institutions. This CEC sponsored initiative has resulted in growth from 20-30 graduating RN’s in 2000 to more than 100 starting in 2006.

Ivy Tech Community College - Columbus offers a Traditional Associate of Science (ASN) nursing program and a Transitional (LPN to ASN) program which are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. For more information visit: www.ivytech.edu/columbus

IUPUC offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (LPN to ASN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility Option). Additional information can be found at: www.columbus.iupui.edu

Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation

CEC continues to partner with Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation to serve all learners by implementing an integrated and aligned system from Pre-K through high school. Two initiatives include:

• The recently announced magnet schools for 2008 at Lincoln Elementary, Central Middle School and McDowell Adult Education Center. These new programs will offer a small-community environment, project-based learning, technology as a tool and one-on-one student teacher relationships. For more information visit: www.bcsc.k12.in.us  
• Book Buddies Reading Program which pairs volunteer tutors and second grade students one-on-one for 30 minutes four days a week. To date 166 children have been served, and surveys show improvement and high satisfaction with the program. For more information or to volunteer visit:
  http://www.bcsc.k12.in.us/services/literacy/  
  

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