Region 8 Education Service Center and the Don Wood Foundation Host an Employer Work-Based Learning Forum

Region 8 Education Service Center, in collaboration with the Don Wood Foundation, announce Region 8’s second Employer Work-Based Learning Forum, scheduled for Nov. 10 from 8:00 a.m. to noon, at Parkview’s Mirro Convention Center, located at 10622 Parkview Plaza Dr, Fort Wayne, Ind.

“Northeast Indiana’s employers can directly shape their future talent pipeline in a variety of ways, from elementary through high school,” said Holly Chaille, work-based learning specialist, Region 8 ESC. “This forum highlights opportunities for any size business to start where they are.”

The half-day event brings together employers, educators, and community leaders for an in-depth exploration of work-based learning (WBL) and its essential role in shaping northeast Indiana’s future workforce.

“Encouraging employers to get involved at any level with WBL appeals to us,” said Laura Macknick, president & CEO, Don Wood Foundation. “Focusing on preparing learners for future jobs needs to start now, and that requires partnerships among stakeholders attending this event, like employers, educators from all levels, community leaders and support organizations. We appreciate Region 8’s leadership by creating this informative event.”

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

• What work-based learning is and why it matters;
• How WBL aligns with Indiana’s high school graduation pathways;
• Sharing opportunities for employer involvement from kindergarten through 12th grade;
• Recognizing the return on investment (ROI) for businesses that participate in WBL; and
• Showing real-world examples of local internships, apprenticeships, skills training initiatives, and successful education-employer partnerships.

For more information, please contact Holly Chaille at hchaille@r8esc.k12.in.us.

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 leadership development, an entrepreneurial mindset, and future-ready workers with the potential to create and sustain opportunities in advanced manufacturing. The Foundation provides investments to grant partners from nonprofits and educational institutions, in addition to offering guidance through community research and intentional convenings. This guidance fosters a diverse workforce through exposure, education, training, and the development of strong communities that promote the advancement of the manufacturing sector. Visit the website donwoodfoundation.org, for more information.

About Region 8 Education Service Center

Region 8 ESC strives to:

• Offer educational services which can be provided more effectively and efficiently on a cooperative basis than on an individual basis.
• Supplement educational services available in the local school districts.
• Support activities provided within the local school districts.
• Better equalize educational opportunities and costs for all students.
• Provide a single voice on education-related issues for all northeast Indiana schools.

The Region 8 ESC Geographic Service Area includes 15 counties in northeast Indiana: Adams, Allen, Blackford, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Kosciusko, Madison, Noble, North Miami, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties. Learn more online at r8esc.k12.in.us.