K – 12 INITIATIVES
Our community is invested in the future. Greater Lafayette Commerce is building the workforce of tomorrow, right now. Through bold partnerships with K-12 schools, colleges and employers, our regional programs connect students with real opportunities in high-wage, high-demand careers. These efforts span the entire region–including Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties–ensuring that all students have access to career-connected learning and the tools to succeed in today’s workforce.
career+
Greater Lafayette Commerce has partnered with local schools, Skyepack, Ivy Tech Community College and regional employers to create an ecosystem that helps students bridge the gap between education and career. Available to all K-12 students across the region, this work is rooted in career-connected learning–an approach that helps students explore, understand and navigate real pathways to local careers.
Manufacturing week
Taking place yearly the first week in October, Manufacturing Week highlights the importance of our region’s manufacturing sector by offering K-12 students a hands-on look at high-tech careers in advanced manufacturing and logistics. This free program is open to all students in the nine-county area, helping to build interest in these critical fields and supporting the growth of our regional economy.
robotics in manufacturing camp
Held each summer break, Robotics in Manufacturing Camp provides students in grades K-8 with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on learning, practical training and valuable experience in coding, programming, electronics and robotics.
HireME!
Hosted annually by Greater Lafayette Commerce in partnership with Career+ Pathways by Skyepack, the HireME! interviewing fair is designed to give students a direct line to internships and full-time employment in some of the region’s most in-demand and high-wage industries–with the added benefit of debt-free college options. With your support, we’re deepending the talent pool that will keep our community strong for years to come.
EDUCATION AWARDS
Rewarding Our High-Achieving Youth & Educators
Career & Technical Education Awards
Greater Lafayette Commerce works in partnership with the Wildcat Creek Career Cooperative to recognize Tippecanoe County high school students for singular outstanding performance in their field of study. Course offerings range from Agricultural Power to Textiles and Fashion and enable students to enter the workforce with advanced training and readiness to contribute back to the community.
In 2019, 42 area high school students were honored.
Golden Apple
This award recognizes and celebrates the positive contributions of educational leaders in Tippecanoe County. Educators are nominated by students, parents, and colleagues.
In 2019, five educational leaders were honored.
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
Lafayette-West Lafayette: Home of Purdue University
Learn about the great higher education opportunities offered by Greater Lafayette’s colleges and universities.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Ivy Tech Community College
INDIANA TECH
Learn more about Purdue University
Learn more about Ivy Tech Community College
Learn more about Indiana Tech
Greater Lafayette offers robust opportunities for adult education through the programs listed below.
READY TO WORK / SkillUP!
Faced with the need for skilled, ready-to-work applicants, several area manufacturers formed an alliance to seek solutions. The opportunity to design a sector-focused career pathway that included industry-recognized credentials and created “work-and-learn” opportunities for youth and adults was a perfect fit for the immediate hiring needs in our region.
ADVANCING MANUFACTURING
In partnership with Greater Lafayette Commerce, Ivy Tech Community College, and Region 4 Workforce Board, the Advancing Manufacturing program was created to answer company’s needs for “in demand” training. Since then, hundreds have been trained in Certified Production Technician, CDLA, NIMS Maintenance training, and much more.
LAFAYETTE ADULT RESOURCE ACADEMY (L.A.R.A.)
The mission of the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy (L.A.R.A.) is to teach academic and life skills that enable learners to make productive, ongoing changes in their personal lives, in society, and in public policy.
