Recent News
Jayco Proves High School Interns Provide Valuable Talent Pipeline
Jayco’s internship program began the same way as many others. Initially more of an informal program, internships were viewed as a way to positively impact students in Jayco’s community. After growing beyond the traditional college internship offerings through a formal partnership with Northridge High School, the company reinforced their internships, and crafted them into a proactive talent strategy.
The current iteration of Jayco’s high school internship program began during the 2020-2021 school year. While internships are typically thought of as opportunities for college students, Jayco’s program expanded to include high schoolers – predominantly juniors and seniors. It was created to “explore another talent pipeline – specifically more in our production areas,” says Ashley Newcomer, Jayco’s employee relations manager. “It focuses on students who potentially don’t see themselves going to college after high school, and want to jump right into the workforce.”
Creating Opportunities
Taking place during the school year, high …
Recapping Indiana Intern Day 2025
Indiana Intern Day had 104 unique organizations make the pledge to recognize Indiana’s interns and work-based learning programs! The day saw lots of kudos, plenty of snacks, and many social media posts. Check out some of this year’s highlights below!
E-Gineering
Interns presented the projects they worked on during a company-wide luncheon to showcase their growth, creativity, and impact. To make the event even more special, interns’ families were invited to join the occasion. The day concluded with cake, photos, and plenty of recognition!
E-gineering’s group of summer interns.
East Chicago Public Library
The East Chicago Public Library gave their interns food and goodie bags for Indiana Intern Day! They had supervisors share stories of their experiences with the interns, and interns get the opportunity to elaborate on their internships.
The East Chicago Public Library’s IT intern, Bryson.
Envelop Group
Envelop Group has been …
2026 Impact Awards Nominations and Work-Based Learning Conference Proposals Are Open!
Impact Awards Nominations
Nominations are now open for the 20th Annual Impact Awards! The awards luncheon celebrates Indiana’s work-based learning excellence, and is part of our Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference on January 27, 2026. Attendees can choose to attend the whole conference or only the lunch portion of the event, so student work-based learners can still enjoy the awards separately from the conference! Submit nominations in any or all of the following categories:
Work-Based Learner of the Year: Recognizes a work-based learner that made a positive impact in their role, showed growth in leadership skills and always expressed professionalism in the workplace. There are three categories: college, high school and adult. The learner’s experience must have taken place in Indiana. Career Development Professional of the Year: Celebrates assistance to learners with work-based learning/internship opportunities, communication with learners/employers, and coaching learners on work-based learning professionalism and career development. There are …
Make the Pledge to Recognize Indiana Interns on July 31!
It’s time to get ready for the seventh annual Indiana Intern Day! The annual social media campaign and day of recognition for Indiana’s interns will take place on Thursday July 31, 2025.
We’ve partnered with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education since 2019 to bring you Indiana Intern Day. Initially modeled after National Intern Day, we wanted to focus on recognizing the incredible work done by Hoosier interns and employers with work-based learning programs.
Ready to join us? Complete the online pledge form to commit to celebrating the value of work-based learning experiences and the learners who make up Indiana’s future workforce. After you make the pledge, you’ll receive a free digital content kit with everything you need to join in–including sample social media content and ways to celebrate. Whether you’re an employer, educator, or intermediary, we encourage you to complete the pledge!
Work and Learn Indiana Spotlights Success With Impact Awards
This press release was originally published on the Indiana Chamber web site.
February 13, 2025 (INDIANAPOLIS) — Work-based learning has become a key component in building and diversifying Indiana’s talent pipeline, which is critical to moving the state forward. Internships and mentoring are key.
Work and Learn Indiana (WLI) celebrated those involved in promoting, creating and cultivating on-the-job experiences today at its Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference in Noblesville featuring the 19th Annual Impact Awards. The event honors Hoosier work-based learners, employers, innovative programs, work-based learning supervisors and career development professionals.
The Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference is a convening of best practices and sharing of ideas toward growth and partnership within workforce and education. There were more than 100 Impact Awards nominations spanning the categories.
Honorees:
Work-Based Learner of the Year (College): Lian Fernandez: Marian University (Indianapolis), Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis Work-Based Learner of the Year (High School): Lucas Harth: Perry Central Junior …
Nominations Open for 19th Annual Impact Awards
Impact Awards nominations are now open! The Impact Awards Luncheon celebrates work-based learning excellence in Indiana, and is a featured part of our annual Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference. Nominations are now open in the following categories: Work-Based Learner of the Year (formerly Intern of the Year): Recognizes a work-based learner that made a positive impact in their role, showed growth in leadership skills and always expressed professionalism in the workplace. There are three categories: college, high school and adult. Career Development Professional of the Year: Celebrates assistance to learners with work-based learning/internship opportunities, communication with learners/employers, and coaching learners on work-based learning professionalism and career development. This is broken into three categories: college, high school, and adult learner. Outstanding Employer of the Year: Honors a successful approach to a work-based learning program, formation of meaningful project work, and providing learners with professional mentoring and networking opportunities. Employers are permitted to nominate themselves. …
Meet the Intern: Fatoumata Sylla
Hello everyone! My name is Fatoumata Sylla. I am an intern at the Institute for Workforce Excellence.
I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, but my family is originally from Guinea, which is located on the west side of Africa. I currently attend Indiana University Indianapolis, where I am currently a sophomore majoring in Law in Liberal Arts and Public Policy with a minor in Leadership and Military Science and a certificate in Paralegal Studies.
I am heavily involved on campus where I serve on two executive boards (Event Coordinator for the African Student Association and Secretary for the NAACP), as well as being a mentor with DEAP (Diversity, Enrichment and Achievement Program), Student Leader for the Orientation Team and the Black Student Union. This helps me stay connected to campus as well as helping the students around me and my community.
I started off as an apprentice through …
Meet the Intern: Travis Robinson
Hello! I’m Travis Robinson. I’m delighted and grateful to be working with the Institute for Workforce Excellence as the Program Operations Intern.
I grew up in Whiteland, Indiana, a lovely small community about 30 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis. I enjoyed my time at Whiteland High School, which helped me set me on the professional path I am currently pursuing.
After high school, I began my studies at Purdue University. Studying agricultural systems management and data-driven agriculture has been an eye-opening experience. I have learned more than I could have imagined from some very intelligent professors. I am going into my senior year at Purdue eager to learn more. Although I know I will miss my university experiences, I’m also excited to use all that I’ve learned in a professional setting.
The Institute for Workforce Excellence has given me a wonderful opportunity to see what this professional setting will look …
Introducing New Webinars for Indiana Intern Week!
In case you missed it, Indiana Intern Day is July 25, 2024! Work and Learn Indiana and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education created the occasion to celebrate Hoosier interns and work-based learning programs. We encourage employers, educators and intermediaries to make the pledge to participate!
This year, we’re introducing participation opportunities for those interested in creating or improving work-based learning programs. Register for our free webinars occurring in the week leading up to Indiana Intern Day!
Indiana Latino Institute Work-Based Learning Workshop
7/23/2024, 12-12:30 p.m. (EDT)
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for a free informative workshop hosted by the Indiana Latino Institute (ILI) where they will delve into the details of their internship program, highlighting the significant benefits of partnering with their organization.
Employers will gain insights into the program’s structure and discover the streamlined process for becoming a partner, ultimately enhancing their workforce and fostering future industry …
Celebrate Indiana Intern Day July 25, 2024!
We’re excited to announce the sixth annual Indiana Intern Day! The annual social media campaign and day of recognition for Indiana’s interns will take place on Thursday July 25, 2024.
The Institute for Workforce Excellence’s Work and Learn Indiana program and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education created this movement back in 2019. Modeled after National Intern Day, it focuses on recognizing the excellence of Hoosier interns and employers with work-based learning programs shaping the future workforce.
We ask employers, educators and intermediaries to complete the online pledge form and commit to recognizing the impact of work-based learning experiences and the talent shaped by those experiences. Once you make the pledge, you’ll receive a free content kit with everything you need to celebrate, including sample social media posts, promotional copy, graphics and more.
Join us and show how much you value Indiana’s talent and work-based learning opportunities by making the …
Work and Learn Indiana Honors Excellence With 2024 Impact Awards
This press release was originally published on the Indiana Chamber web site.
February 22, 2024 (INDIANAPOLIS) — Fearless. Creative. Original. These are among the qualities that helped define excellence at the 2024 Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference, featuring the 18th Annual Impact Awards.
The event, hosted by Work and Learn Indiana (WLI), honored Hoosier work-based learners, employers, innovative programs, work-based learning supervisors and career development professionals today. A crowd of nearly 500 gathered for the luncheon celebration.
The 2024 Impact Award winners represent excellence across 10 categories. Nominations were submitted by the public, with winners chosen by a group of impartial judges.
Honorees:
Work-Based Learner of the Year (College): Jenna Carter: Purdue University (West Lafayette), Endress+Hauser (Greenwood) Work-Based Learner of the Year (High School): Cristina Llamas-Gonzalez: Ben Davis High School (Indianapolis), Plastic Recycling, Inc. (Indianapolis) Work-Based Learner of the Year (Adult): Chelsea Ort: Engage Mentoring (Indianapolis) Career Development Professional of the …
Celebrate Hoosier Interns on Indiana Intern Day!
Join Work and Learn Indiana and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education as we celebrate Indiana’s interns on social media for the fifth annual Indiana Intern Day on July 27, 2023!
Modeled after National Intern Day, the movement honors interns and the employers that provide meaningful internship opportunities.
Make sure your organization pledges to participate by filling out the online pledge form. After completing the form, you’ll receive a free digital content kit with graphics, sample social media posts and other ways to get involved.
Indiana Intern Day isn’t just for employers. Educational institutions and intermediaries can also pledge to participate and recognize their students with internships in their communities. They will also receive their own content kit with relevant materials to promote Indiana Intern Day. Make the pledge today!
Work and Learn Indiana’s 2023 IMPACT Awards Celebrate Internship Success Across State
For media information, contact:
Matt Ottinger at (317) 264-7541 / mottinger@indianachamber.com
Rebecca Patrick at (317) 264-6897 / rpatrick@indianachamber.com
Work and Learn Indiana’s 2023 IMPACT Awards Celebrate Internship Success Across State
February 22, 2023 (INDIANAPOLIS) — What happens when interns and mentors dedicate their talents and tenacity to enhancing the future of students and employers throughout Indiana?
A sold-out crowd of 350 gathered to hear these inspiring stories at the Work-Based Learning IMPACT Summit featuring the 17th Annual IMPACT Awards on February 21.
Presented by Work and Learn Indiana, the 2023 IMPACT Award winners were selected by an impartial judging panel from over 150 nominations. The honorees are:
Intern of the Year (College): Alex Lefever, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Center for Civic Innovation at the University of Notre Dame Intern of the Year (High School): Arda Kurama, Penn High School, Center for Civic Innovation at the University of Notre Dame …
Celebrate Indiana’s Interns on Indiana Intern Day!
When Work and Learn Indiana and the Commission for Higher Education created Indiana Intern Day, we wanted to lead a social media movement celebrating the excellence of Indiana’s interns. Modeled after WayUp’s National Intern Day, the campaign occurs each July, starting with its inception in 2019. In today’s highly competitive labor market, it’s more important than ever to recognize talent. Interns make up a valuable part of Indiana’s talent pipeline!
2022 Indiana Intern Day will take place on July 28. Show you’re committed to recognizing Indiana’s interns! Participate by making the pledge to celebrate Hoosier interns and internship programs. After filling out the online pledge form, participants will immediately receive a digital content kit with sample social media posts, graphics, and more.
Both employers and educators can make the pledge! Educators, celebrate your students with internships and your employer partners offering internship programs. We know educators play a vital …
2022 IMPACT Award Winners Announced Recognizing Excellence in Internships
For media information, contact:
Matt Ottinger at (317) 264-7541 / mottinger@indianachamber.com
Rebecca Patrick at (317) 264-6897 / rpatrick@indianachamber.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2022 IMPACT Award Winners Announced Recognizing Excellence in Internships
February 22, 2022 (INDIANAPOLIS) — Nine categories, 80-plus nominees and infinite potential. The 16th Annual IMPACT Awards, presented by Work and Learn Indiana, honored outstanding talent and contributions regarding Hoosier internships at a virtual celebration today.
The top winners – chosen by a panel of impartial judges – are:
College Intern of the Year: Jenna Burow, Purdue University (Fishers) High School Intern of the Year: Shelby Rosenberger, Franklin County High School (Brookville) Non-Traditional Intern of the Year: Dana Perez, The Children’s Museum (Indianapolis) College Career Development Professional of the Year: Kathy Kassissieh, Rose‐Hulman Institute of Technology (Terre Haute) High School Career Development Professional of the Year: Eric Feller, Oldenburg Academy (Oldenburg) Intern Supervisor of the Year: Kameron …