By Katarina Webb; School Success Manager
At the recent Greater Lafayette Commerce Quarterly Development Series luncheon, Indiana Secretary of Education and Commissioner for Higher Education Dr. Katie Jenner shared her vision for the future of education in Indiana. Her message was clear: schools must do more than prepare students academically – they must prepare them for the workforce.
That vision is exactly what Career+ Pathways™ is delivering every day in schools across our state.
Meeting Indiana’s New Diploma Expectations
Indiana’s new diploma requirements call for more real-world learning and stronger connections between classrooms and careers. Career+ Pathways™ is designed to help schools meet those requirements head-on. By embedding microcredentials, employer connections, and career coaching into the school day, Career+ Pathways™ ensures that students graduate with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in life after high school.
For schools, this means less guessing about how to implement new requirements and more support through a proven model that is already working.
Real Work-Based Learning at Scale
Dr. Jenner emphasized that every student should have access to authentic work-based learning. Career+ Pathways™ is already making this a reality at scale:
- 12,000+ students engaged in Career+ Pathways™ programming last year
- Nearly 60,000 individual sessions delivered
- More than 7,000 hours of work-based learning completed
- 100+ employer partners – including Caterpillar, IU Health, Franciscan Health, Wabash National, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive – opening their doors to students
- Ivy Tech Community College and Purdue University partnering to provide dual credit, training opportunities, and career-connected learning
These experiences give students the chance to explore career options, build employability skills, and make connections that matter for their future.
Building the Skills Employers Value Most
Academic knowledge is important, but employers consistently tell us that soft skills – communication, teamwork, reliability – are what set candidates apart. Career+ Pathways™ weaves these skills into every interaction, whether it’s through a microcredential project, an employer chat, or a one-on-one meeting with a career coach.
This focus ensures that students graduate not only diploma-ready but career-ready.
A Shared Vision for Indiana’s Future
Dr. Jenner’s remarks serve as validation of the work Career+ Pathways™ is already leading. When schools, employers, and community leaders come together, we create pathways that truly prepare students for success.
Career+ Pathways™ is proud to partner with schools across Indiana to turn this vision into action. Together, we are equipping students with the tools, experiences, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.
The future of Indiana depends on students who are ready to step into high-demand careers and lead. With Career+ Pathways™, that future is already taking shape.
How You Can Get Involved
- Schools: Partner with Career+ Pathways™ to bring microcredentials, career coaching, and employer connections directly to your students.
- Employers: Join our growing network of industry partners and help shape the next generation of talent.
- Community Leaders & Families: Advocate for and support programs that give students real opportunities to explore careers and build their futures.
Interested in learning more? Connect with us today to see how Career+ Pathways™ can support your students, your workforce, and your community.
Bio
Katarina Webb , School Success Manager at Career+ Pathways™! Starting as a Career Advisor through a partnership with Ivy Tech, Katarina now leads a team supporting schools across the GLC region. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, the creative arts and spending time with her family and fur babies.
