PRESS RELEASE: Regional Collaboration Strengthens Uplands Region Talent Pipeline

​Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation – The Success School, Monroe County Community Schools, and Richland-Bean Blossom Community Schools have announced a new partnership aimed at strengthening the regional talent pipeline in the Uplands region. This collaboration focuses on providing students with opportunities for success after high school through various career exploration and skill-building initiatives.

The partnership comes at a crucial time as local employers seek new ways to develop a skilled workforce while offering high school students hands-on experience in various fields. "By working together, we are ensuring that students are well-equipped with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed after graduation, while also addressing the ongoing workforce needs of our local businesses," said Christopher Emge, Senior Director of Government & Community Relations of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.

Through a variety of opportunities, local businesses are invited to get involved and help shape the next generation of talent. These opportunities include job shadowing, mock interviews, mentorship programs, company tours, career discovery meetings, and more. Employers will have the chance to directly engage with students through in-person or virtual events such as career fairs, panel discussions, and internships. Additionally, employers can collaborate with students through mentorship opportunities or by participating in student-run business initiatives.

The following is a list of specific ways local employers can engage with the initiative:

• Job Shadow: Students observe employees in action, offering insight into different career paths.
• Mock Interviews: Local businesses host mock interviews to help students hone their interview skills.
• Mentorship/Skills Coaching: Employers provide one-on-one coaching on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
• Career Discovery Meetings: Local employers meet with small groups of students to discuss potential careers and opportunities in their field.
• Company Tours: Companies provide in-person or virtual tours, allowing students to explore various career environments.
• Internships and Apprenticeships: Students gain on-the-job training, helping them build real-world experience and networks in their chosen industry.

​In addition to one-time events, ongoing opportunities such as career path presentations, panel discussions, and industry-specific presentations will provide continuous engagement for local employers to connect with students and inspire the workforce of tomorrow.
 
How Employers Can Get Involved
Local employers interested in participating in these collaborative efforts can fill out a simple form via https://bit.ly/EngageEmployer or reach out directly to the participating organizations for more information.

Background Information

​Initiative Overview
Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation – The Success School, Monroe County Community Schools, and Richland-Bean Blossom Community Schools have partnered to strengthen the regional talent pipeline in the Uplands region. This collaboration focuses on providing local students with career exploration and skill-building opportunities, ensuring they are equipped for success after high school while addressing the workforce needs of area employers.

Mission
The mission of this partnership is to create a sustainable talent pipeline by connecting local businesses with students, offering hands-on experiences that prepare young people for meaningful careers in the region. By equipping students with real-world experience, employers will gain access to a skilled, prepared workforce that can contribute to the local economy for years to come.
​
Vision
This initiative aims to be a model for employer-student collaboration, where students gain the tools they need to pursue successful careers, and employers nurture the next generation of talent for the future.

Fact Sheet

• Participating Partners:
  • Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI)
  • The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation – The Success School
  • Monroe County Community Schools (MCCSC)
  • Richland-Bean Blossom Community Schools (RBBCSC)
• Target Audience: High school students in the Uplands region, with a focus on career readiness and workforce development.
• Employer Involvement: Employers can engage with students through job shadowing, mock interviews, mentorship, career fairs, company tours, internships, and more.
• Key Opportunities for Employers:
  • Job Shadowing
  • Mock Interviews
  • Mentorship/Skills Coaching
  • Career Discovery Meetings
  • Company Tours
  • Internships and Apprenticeships
  • Career/Job Fairs
  • Panel Discussions
  • Industry Presentations
• Event Timeline: (See “School Career Event Calendar”)
  • Fall: Career fairs, company tours, job shadowing, mock interviews, and more.
  • Spring: Career fairs, mock interviews, job shadowing, panel discussions.
  • Ongoing: Career discovery meetings, mentoring, internships.
• Program Outcomes:
  • Increased employer engagement with the local talent pool.
  • Students gain valuable hands-on experience and career insights.
  • Strengthened local workforce, supporting regional economic growth.

Key Quotes

• From the Chamber:
  “The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is proud to support this initiative, which provides a direct link between students and the business community. It’s an opportunity for employers to give back to the community by helping students explore careers and develop important skills.”
  – Christopher Emge, Senior Director of Government & Community Relations, Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce
• From a Student:
  “UpSkill has helped me decide on my future career and provided me with numerous new connections. A highlight for me has been learning things that I never thought I could learn while I’m in high school.”
  – Owen Snyder, Customer Service at German American Bank, Edgewood High School

Frequently Asked Questions

​How can my business get involved in this initiative?
Employers can get involved by offering career exploration activities such as job shadowing, mock interviews, mentorship, internships, and more. Simply fill out the registration form through https://bit.ly/EngageEmployer, or contact us for more information on how to participate.
What types of opportunities are available for students?
Students can participate in a variety of activities including job shadowing, mock interviews, internships, company tours, and mentorship programs. These experiences allow them to explore different career paths and develop skills for success in the workforce.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, there is no cost to participate. This initiative is a collaborative effort to provide students with career exploration and skill-building opportunities, while supporting local employers in developing a future workforce.
What time commitment is required for employers?
Time commitments vary based on the type of involvement. For example, job shadowing may require a few hours, while mentorship or internships may span several weeks. Employers can select the activities and time commitments that best fit their availability.
What are the benefits for employers?
Employers benefit by gaining access to a pool of motivated students who could potentially become future employees. Participating also strengthens the regional talent pipeline, supports local workforce development, and enhances your company's reputation as a community-minded business.
When do events take place?
Events are scheduled throughout the year, with key activities taking place in the fall and spring. A detailed event calendar is available for employers to view and select the dates that work best for their business.
How do I sign up to participate?
Interested employers can sign up by filling out the registration form via https://bit.ly/EngageEmployer or by reaching out directly to the initiative’s team for assistance.

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