0 Comments
Eighth STEM Fellowship cohort launches with 19 educators and five mentorsRegional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is proud to announce its eighth STEM Fellowship cohort and a new mentorship program. The 19 selected educators in Cohort 8 will begin their fellowship year in August 2025, bringing the total number to 149 Fellows working to grow high-quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning throughout the Indiana Uplands region. Five STEM Fellow alumni have also been invited to participate in a mentorship program, guiding the newest Fellows in classroom integration, navigating Fellowship experiences, and engaging with regional industry sectors.
“The Indiana Uplands is home to a growing number of STEM career opportunities, and local employers are looking for talent equipped to lead in fields like advanced manufacturing, engineering, life sciences, and tech,” said Michi McClaine, Vice President of Talent Development at ROI. “To meet that need, it’s essential that students are introduced to STEM early and stay engaged as they move through their education.” “The ROI STEM Fellowship is designed to give educators the tools, experiences, and industry connections they need to bring real-world STEM learning into their classrooms,” McClaine added. “This year, we’ve expanded the program by inviting alumni to serve as mentors for our newest cohort. Their insight and experience help strengthen the Fellowship network and offer valuable peer support that benefits not just educators but entire school communities across the region. At the same time, this mentorship opportunity allows alumni to give back to the program that helped shape their own journey, and continue growing their careers as leaders in education in new and meaningful ways.” The Lake Monroe Water Fund is excited to announce the return of its Beach Bash, taking place on Saturday, August 9, at the scenic private beach of Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina.
This festive evening will feature relaxing tropical vibes, live music, great food, and family-friendly fun - all while supporting a vital cause. Proceeds from the Beach Bash will benefit the Lake Monroe Water Fund’s ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the region’s most essential natural resource: clean water. “Lake Monroe is critical to the health, economy, and quality of life in South Central Indiana,” said Michelle Cohen, Executive Director of the Lake Monroe Water Fund. “Events like this not only bring our community together but also raise awareness and support for the protection of our drinking water, natural ecosystems, and recreational spaces.” The City of Bloomington’s Community and Family Resources Department is now accepting applications for its 2025 Violence Reduction Grants program, an initiative that supports violence prevention and reduction efforts through investments in local neighborhood-based, evidence-driven agencies and organizations.
The City has allocated $150,000 for 2025 to fund community-led efforts focused on prevention, intervention, and violence reduction. Eligible applicants include but are not limited to nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, resident councils, and faith-based communities serving Bloomington. Organizations with demonstrated experience in crime intervention, particularly those addressing retaliatory and youth-involved violence, are especially encouraged to apply. Applications that include collaboration among two or more partners will be viewed favorably. Indiana University’s College of Arts and Sciences and O’Neill School invite you to connect with talented students at our September 16 Career Fair on the Bloomington campus. This is a great opportunity to meet students seeking Spring/Summer 2026 internships and full-time roles after graduation (Dec 2025–May 2026).
This fair is designed to foster meaningful connections with students who bring diverse skills and experiences to your organization. Early-bird special: Register by July 25 to receive 25% off your registration! [URL: Register Here] The City of Bloomington has opened applications for the 2025 Sustainable Neighborhoods Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support small-scale neighborhood projects that advance the goals of the City’s Climate Action Plan.
The City seeks to inspire citizens’ investment in our collective climate goals by providing the financial means to take the first step. “The City is here to support the community’s climate action ideas,” said Jolie Perry, Sustainability Program Coordinator. “Residents need the resources to do what is best for their neighborhood, and we provide this grant program to fill that need. We look forward to partnering with Bloomington residents on their grassroots efforts to address climate change.” Parade, free pool admission kick off holiday festivitiesBloomington Parks & Recreation and Downtown Bloomington Inc., and title sponsor IU Credit Union present the annual Fourth of July Parade and concert on Friday, July 4.
A live performance by the Bloomington Community Band begins at 9 a.m. on the south side of the Monroe County Courthouse at 100 W. Kirkwood Ave., followed by the parade at 10 a.m. The Bloomington Community Band performance and the Fourth of July Parade may be delayed or cancelled for safety in the event of extreme weather. Call 812-349-3754 for schedule updates. The parade route begins at College Avenue and 10th Street. From there, 65 different parade entries will travel south on College Avenue, turn east onto Kirkwood Avenue, go one block to Walnut Street and turn north to return to 10th Street. The parade ends where it began, at the intersection of College Avenue and 10th Street. Hoosier Hills Food Bank passed a major landmark today, having now distributed over 100 million pounds of food during its history. The organization reached the milestone on Wednesday, June 25 as it is gearing up for a special food distribution for children and seniors on June 27.
Founded in 1982, HHFB entered 2025 having distributed 97,689,423 pounds of food over 42 years. Through June 27, the food bank has distributed 2,328,492 pounds of food, bringing its overall total to 100,017,915 pounds. “I’m not sure our founders could have imagined 100 million pounds of food going through our doors back in 1982, and while I’m sure they’d be saddened that food insecurity and food waste are still such prevalent problems, they would be relieved to know that we are still here to support people facing hunger,” said HHFB Executive Director Julio Alonso. “This is a difficult time. Food insecurity is at the highest level in nearly a decade and public support is being scaled back with unprecedented cuts to food assistance and health care access being contemplated. Non-profit organizations and private donors have to step up to avoid a potential hunger crisis. We intend to continue doing our part as long as we have the support to do so.” ![]() High temperatures, like those expected in Indiana over the next few days, can become more than just uncomfortable—they can become dangerous to your health. “Heat-related issues like heat exhaustion and heat stroke are concerns our Emergency services teams have top-of-mind during times like this,” said Drew Watters, MD, IU Health Bloomington Emergency Medicine physician. “Our vulnerable populations, or those at increased risk, include those who work outdoors, don’t have air conditioning at home, or can’t cool down at night are at increased risk.” He also explained how certain medical concerns and medications—like cardiovascular disease, blood pressure medications and diuretics—can make someone more susceptible to heat illnesses. “But really, anyone can experience heat exhaustion or have heat stroke, so taking proper precautions is key during times of high temperatures,” said Watters. “Paying close attention to young children is particularly important since they are less able to communicate physical symptoms or understand that something is wrong.” It’s officially Godzilla Day in Bloomington on June 27th!
And kicking off GODZILLA WEEKEND at the BCT with a pre-film introduction by Godzilla Historian and Scholar Beth Bredlau ! Farm is a supporter of the BCT and we love to create fun projects together and this one is a monster! Friday, Saturday and Sunday Brunch we will be offering a special Godzilla Menu created by our Chef, Chantel Adcock. Menu attached at bottom. And at Dinner we've created some Scary Good Godzilla inspired dishes that will be on the menu the whole summer! |
Share your news with us!Submit your news to the Chamber by the 12th or 28th of each month to be included in the bi-weekly Membership Matters emails. Archives
Archives
July 2025
Webpage Square Ad Banner spaces are available for members. Download our sizes and pricing sheet for more information by clicking the button below.
|