EmployIndy

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers and workers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and matches employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Career Services are implemented through the local WorkOne system, a cornerstone of advancing the public workforce investment system. In FY2020, 29,373 unique individuals entered WorkOne (all locations). These individuals utilized 32,477 services. Of those services, 15,382 sessions were conducted on public computers (job search, UI, career options), 8,092 individuals attended a RES event, 3,398 attended a workshop or took an assessment, another 1,768 met with a professional coach (Career Navigator, Vet Team, TAA) and 883 attended ABE classes. Between July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020, there were also 270 new Adult enrollments, 154 new Dislocated Worker enrollments, and 182 new Youth enrollments.

Youth Employment Services (YES) provides barrier busting supports, limited or/not allowable with WIOA funds, like legal fees and traffic or reinstatement fines, to youth ages 18-24. YES provides flexible vouchers that help remove significant barriers for successful transition to employment. This program has been highlighted as a best practice at numerous youth and regional workforce conferences since its inception in 2003, serving nearly 5,000 youth. YES also provides funding, technical assistance, tools and practices, and a community network that allows community-based organizations to accomplish more for the ever-growing at-risk youth population. In FY2020, 652 participants were enrolled in YES.

In FY2020, Indy Achieves was continuing programming in three key areas. To maximize financial aid, we worked directly with families and school partners to process 915 applications for 7th and 8th grade students to enroll in 21st Century Scholars. In the current program year, Indy Achieves' Mentorship Program had 17 new mentors trained to provide ongoing encouragement and deadline reminders to 299 mentees transitioning into their first year at IUPUI and Ivy Tech. Furthermore, Indy Achieves provided 492 Completion Grants and 802 Promise Scholarship Grants to students to continue their education.

Additional programs which include Rapid Re-employment (RES), Trade Association Act (TAA), Adult Basic Education (ABE), Jobs for America's Graduates, Job Ready Indy, Project Indy, and CDBG aid in the overall mission of our organization.

EmployIndy's Talent Bound initiative has a vision for Indy youth and young adults where they actively pursue integrated academic and career experiences that empower them to follow career pathways that lead to economic mobility and future prosperity. The initiative acts as an intermediary providing the tools and resources for employers to effectively connect with youth and provide the robust experiences needed to inform future career and education decisions while developing in-demand skills. During FY2020, 80+ employers engaged in activities and experiences with 2,766 youth.