VERSAILLES, Ind. – Indiana Governor Mike Braun is advancing skills training and career opportunities for Hoosiers through the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). In Southeast Indiana, a $6 million investment in the Southeast Career Center (SCC) will support a major modernization while strengthening career and technical education opportunities for students throughout the six-county region.
“Indiana boasts a diverse economy and a workforce to match, and we’re proud to support talent initiatives focused on trades and in-demand jobs, helping students get to the workforce faster,” said Gov. Braun. “This investment in the Southeast Career Center will improve the facility, but most importantly expand its ability to serve even more Hoosiers, ensuring students have the access they need to train and prepare for high-quality jobs.”
Today, the Southeast Indiana region celebrated a $3 million READI 2.0 funding award to support the project, which will help SCC update aging infrastructure, improve instructional spaces and increase its ability to provide hands-on training aligned with the workforce needs of regional employers. SCC has served the region since 1966 and helps approximately 400 students earn credentials and certificates each year, supporting talent development across construction, manufacturing, healthcare, culinary arts, cosmetology, media, public safety, transformation and technology.
“The $3 million READI 2.0 grant is a tremendous investment in the future of SCC and the students and communities we serve,” said SCC Director Tracy Bear. “This funding will allow us to strengthen and expand career and technical education opportunities, ensuring our students have access to high-quality training that prepares them for the workforce needs of our region.”
The region’s investment in SCC represents an investment in Southeast Indiana’s future workforce and the economic competitiveness of the region. By expanding access to modern career and technical education, the Southeast Career Center will continue to connect students with in-demand skills, while helping regional employers build the talent base they need to grow and succeed. Additionally, SCC serves students from communities beyond the Southeast Indiana region, supporting the state’s broader workforce development goals.
“Hoosiers across the state are advancing in key trades and boosting Indiana’s economy,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “Growing Indiana means ensuring Hoosiers have the skills to step into high-demand, high-wage careers while giving employers access to the talent they need to grow. This investment in the Southeast Career Center strengthens both sides of that equation – creating greater opportunity for Hoosiers and building the workforce that will help businesses and communities across Southeast Indiana thrive.”
Indiana’s READI program is a $1.25 billion investment in regional-led strategies designed to strengthen communities, retain and attract top talent, and increase opportunities for Hoosiers for years to come.
Southeast Indiana was awarded $25 million in READI 1.0 and READI 2.0 matching funds, with additional project support through Lilly Endowment Inc. grant funds, to grow the region’s quality of place, quality of life and quality of opportunity across Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley, Switzerland and Union counties.
Learn more at IndianaREADI.com.
Property of 1330 WTRE