About Us
Work and Learn Indiana is a program of the Institute for Workforce Excellence, a 501(c)3 subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The program links employers, learners, high schools, colleges and universities. It is a dynamic, searchable database, matching and reporting system that also provides resources and guidance on work-based learning opportunities. The goal is to help create or expand high-quality experiential opportunities within Indiana.
Originally formed as Indiana INTERNnet in 2001, it was the solution to a series of Indiana Chamber-led studies that demonstrated the state's "brain drain" issue. The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce initiated and operated the program in partnership with the University of Indianapolis. With continued funding from the Lilly Endowment, the organization was granted 501(c)3 tax exempt status in May 2004 and moved to the Indiana Chamber, the state's largest business advocacy organization, where it rebranded to Work and Learn Indiana in 2021.
How We Help
We help Indiana employers and community partners develop and retain Hoosier talent through relevant work-and-learn experiences that drive a highly skilled and equitable workforce.
Mission
We are the catalyst for expanding the creation and execution of experiential learning opportunities as a key strategy in retaining Indiana's top talent.
Vision
Everyone living in Indiana who wants a high-quality work-and-learn experience will be matched with a Hoosier host employer.
Our Drivers
- Career-Connected: We support Indiana's largest statewide marketplace of work-and-learn opportunities for Hoosiers and employers that promote talent development and career advancement.
- Employer-Driven: We help Indiana employers build high-quality work-and-learn programs that strengthen talent pipelines and skill up our Hoosier workforce.
- Equity-Focused: We promote talent diversity with targeted support to help working-age Hoosiers - from high school and college students to career-changing adults - advance and grow their professional network.
Work and Learn Indiana Operations Team
Sally Saydshoev
Executive Director
Anna Meer
Talent and Training Consultant
Caitlyn Beck
Communications ManagerWork-Based Learning Benefits Talent, Employers and Educational Institutions
Work-based learning experiences offer career exploration and skills application for learners and provide employers with workers who are creative, enthusiastic, able to assist with projects and open for mentorship. Overall, experiential learning is mutually beneficial to employers, learners and schools.
Learners
Work and Learn Indiana connects you with thousands of Indiana organizations across the state. We're currently showcasing 66 work-based learning experiences. No matter what your career interests are, Work and Learn Indiana makes it easy to search and apply for work-based learning opportunities all in one place.
Employers
Looking to fill your talent pipeline? Work and Learn Indiana has more than 2,600 Indiana learners looking for work-based learning experiences. Our site matches your requirements with those of a learner looking for a work-based learning opportunity. But don't just post your position and hope the perfect candidate finds you - you can search our site for talent too!
Educators
As teachers, professors, guidance counselors, work-based learning coordinators and career services personnel, you know experiential learning is mutually beneficial to employers, students and schools. With our Indiana-focused work-based learning network, students can contribute their talents to the Indiana workforce. Together, Indiana schools and employers can work to significantly increase talent retention.