After one year in southeastern Indiana, Economic Opportunities through Education by 2015 (EcO15) has made significant strides to connecting education to the needs of the workforce.

Of the 10 counties involved - Bartholomew, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland Counties - nine have implemented Project Lead the Way courses in their public schools. In Decatur County, North Decatur High School has engineering while South Decatur has biomed. These programs encourage students to achieve through a hands-on, project-based approach. At Greensburg Junior High, a Gateway to Technology program will begin this school year with a new computer lab to power it, Decatur County’s EcO15 Coordinator Lisa Deck noted.

Deck pointed out that much of the work being done attempts to capitalize on any available opportunities. The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) offered a grant called “Bring IT Home,” and Decatur County’s application will soon bear fruit as Internet hot spots are installed in community buildings and volunteer fire stations throughout the county. At the Greensburg Community Learning Center, a Lego Robotics Camp was held this summer, and three local students continue to be involved in marketing as Dream It! Do It! champions.

Deck, communications and information strategies point-person Stephanie Weber pointed out, has been instrumental in spearheading progress for the program. She has met with companies in the area to assess future workforce needs in the area of advanced manufacturing. From this information, the EcO15 Website features career pathways that enable students to look at potential careers and the steps they need to take to succeed within them. The guidance counselors at both North and South each have a career awareness area in the office for students to research careers and become more alert to what is available.

The program has also gained national attention. It was nominated for an economic development award in the hotly contested rural economic development category and was in the top four finalists. In Washington D.C., the Dream It! Do It! campaign earned two awards.

Deck noted the goal is to turn existing funding into more money through grants and community collaboration. For example, ETC will be playing a large role in creating Internet hot spots through a generous donation.

In the healthcare sector, EcO15 is working to advance clinical simulation by investing in area hospitals. The goal is to create simulation labs as well as hosting a simulation library for students.

For hospitality and tourism, an advisory council group has been formed and an Indiana University study will examine Greensburg Power of the Past, the car show and state softball tournament to assess what brings tourists to Decatur County in order to capitalize on visitor interest.

Deck in her role with EcO15 has also assisted the county schools in acquiring broadband Internet access, which will assist with distance learning and technological connectedness in general.

Weber noted the progress has been staggering for the first year, and she and Deck hope community support can find a way to extend the program past the end date of initial funding, which is set for the end of 2010. Deck also noted that partnering with the Economic Development Corporation and Vicki Kellerman has proved to be an ideal partnership. She said Kellerman is always supportive and enables Deck to run with various ideas. In addition, as Kellerman works to secure industry for the area, Deck works to make sure the local workforce can meet its needs.

The office will relocate from Hunter House on North Street to the suites above Mainsource Bank at the corner of Broadway and Washington Streets. Access can be gained by visiting the receptionist downstairs beginning on August 1.