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 three categories: college, high school, and adult learner. The professional must be working in Indiana. This is for educators or those who serve as a support system for students/learners. Individuals supervising or managing interns should be submitted in the work-based learning supervisor category.
- 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. Nominees must be located in Indiana.
- Innovative Program of the Year: This category commemorates an Indiana organization with an inventive effort to meet workforce needs and provide meaningful work-based learning outcomes (supporting diverse populations, credentialing/educational qualifications, compensation, etc.). The organization should display a collaborative effort at the local, regional or state level. This category includes programs falling under work-based learning such as workplace simulations, apprenticeships and school-based enterprises.
- Work-Based Learning Supervisor of the Year: Recognizes a specific individual at an organization who provided their interns or work-based learners with excellent opportunities, outstanding leadership, professionalism and mentorship. This is for an individual going above and beyond the standard work expectations as a supervisor. They provide learners with a variety of opportunities and possess unique qualities that set them apart. The nominee must be located in Indiana.
Recognize the best of work-based learning in Indiana by submitting a nomination! You don’t have to be a Work and Learn Indiana user to participate. Nominations are due by October 17 at 5 p.m. (ET). Late nominations will not be accepted.
