The Don Wood Foundation, Questa Education Foundation, and TPMA have launched the "Achieving Postsecondary Attainment" initiative to advance postsecondary education awareness, access, enrollment, and completion among twelve (12) counties in Northeast Indiana (NEI). This initiative builds upon and enhances ongoing regional talent development efforts and aims to achieve three outcomes: 1) gain a thorough understanding of regional assets; 2) identify opportunities for postsecondary enrollment and completion; and 3) develop an action plan of collective regional strategies.
In this rapidly evolving economy, automation and innovation necessitate a workforce that is highly skilled, adaptable, and able to keep pace with the changing demands of employers to remain globally competitive. As the post-pandemic recovery gathers momentum, it is increasingly evident that jobs requiring some level of postsecondary education, such as industry recognized credentials and certifications, associate, and/or bachelor degrees are projected to outpace those that only require a high school diploma or less.[1] With an increasingly urgent need to address talent shortages, NEI leaders have prioritized scaling regional postsecondary attainment efforts to address this challenge for the benefit of both residents and employers.
“We are committed to supporting impactful solutions that will bridge gaps and foster a highly skilled workforce in Northeast Indiana,” said Patrick Buesching, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Don Wood Foundation. “Because we understand the importance of postsecondary connection and completion, Don Wood Foundation and Questa Education Foundation will make substantial investments in initiatives to boost educational attainment in our region.”
Despite the projected increase in demand for postsecondary education, a considerable portion (60%) of Indiana's workforce reports that a college degree does not hold the value that it used to.[2] That doubt is evident in the state's lowest-ever postsecondary enrollment rate of 53%, which poses a significant threat to the state's economy and the prospects of its workforce.[3] This initiative seeks to provide high school students and adults who have little or no college experience or degree with a better understanding of (and access to) opportunities to gain the necessary skills to navigate the ever-changing job market.
“It is imperative that our region’s workforce recognizes that the promise of opportunity in today’s economy demands more than a high school diploma and that we elevate all postsecondary training and education choices - from the skilled trades to advanced degrees. Through this initiative, we will engage adults and high school students to gain first-hand perspectives,” said Elizabeth Bushnell, Ph.D., Executive Director for Questa Education Foundation. “It is critical for us to understand and address the barriers that prevent residents from pursuing further training and education after high school.”
In addition to robust stakeholder and target audience engagement, the project team will engage an Advisory Board that represents K-12 education, postsecondary institutions, industry, workforce development, and economic development across the 12-county region. The Advisory Board will provide strategic insights and recommendations for the project's approach, ensuring a comprehensive and well-informed methodology. The esteemed members of our Advisory Board include:
Dr. Karl W. Einolf, President, Indiana Tech
Dr. Evan Wood, Vice President of People & Strategy, Fort Wayne Metals
Edmond O’Neal, President, Northeast Indiana Works
Shenita Bolton, Ed.S., Director of K-12 College and Career Readiness, Fort Wayne Community Schools
Ryan Twiss, Vice President of Regional Initiatives, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership
Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson, Chancellor, Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne
Heather Schoegler, Director of Strategic Educational Partnerships, Parkview Health
Bill Konyha, President & CEO, Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana
The initiative also includes evaluating existing regional assets and national practices that support postsecondary completion. An analysis of this information will be used to catalyze a Regional Planning Coalition (RPC) to collaboratively develop regional and county-specific strategies and identify methods for implementation. Stakeholders representing education, industry, government, and community partners will actively work together through the RPC to drive efforts that enhance postsecondary completion. The project team intends to work with the RPC to establish a system for continuous feedback from target populations and improvement of the plan.
“Part of what makes this initiative unique is that the Don Wood Foundation and Questa Education Foundation are determined to take a holistic and sustainable approach that is backed by data, resources, and commitment to action,” said Alex Maggos, Project Lead for TPMA. “Our firm is honored to partner with these visionary organizations to drive this initiative forward.”
About the Don Wood Foundation
The Don Wood Foundation is a private foundation, established in 2018 by Don Wood, founder of 80/20, Inc., that serves and supports innovators, leaders, collaborators, and skilled workers with the potential to create and sustain opportunities in manufacturing. The Foundation partners with non-profits and educational institutions to provide sustained investment that supports the development of a diverse workforce through exposure, education, and training to create strong communities rooted in the advancement of manufacturing. Visit www.donwoodfoundation.org and follow Don Wood Foundation on LinkedIn and Facebook.
TPMA empowers organizations and communities through strategic partnerships and informed solutions that create positive, sustainable change. For community champions who are loyal to improving local and regional economic outcomes, TPMA provides professional consulting services and delivers transparent insights to the complete workforce, education, and economic development ecosystem that allows them to move forward, together. TPMA envisions a world that thinks strategically, works collaboratively, and acts sustainably. Visit www.tpma-inc.com and follow TPMA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
###
[1] Ascend Indiana. 2022. “Indiana’s Evolving Labor Market Full Report. https://ascendindiana.com/resources/indianas-evolving-labor-market-full-report-2022
[2] Indiana Commission for Higher Education. 2023. Indiana’s Education Value Movement, Research Findings & Messaging Strategy.
[3] Indiana Commission for Higher Education. 2022. CHE College Readiness Report. https://www.in.gov/che/college-readiness-reports/