PRESS RELEASE

Indiana University Kokomo thought leaders to share expertise at the first-ever IU Economic Development Summit

KOKOMO, Ind. — Experts from Indiana University Kokomo will be part of an event next month highlighting IU’s research, partnerships, and initiatives that impact economic development by fostering business growth, talent development, and community resilience.

Leah Nellis, IU assistant vice president for school partnerships, and IU Kokomo vice chancellor for innovation and special projects; and Tara Kingsley, IU Kokomo interim dean and professor of education, will be among the speakers at the inaugural IU Economic Development Summit, set for Tuesday, August 12 in the IU Indianapolis University Tower Ballroom, 911 West North Street, Indianapolis.

The summit will bring together university leaders, business executives, policymakers, and community stakeholders to explore the university’s impact on economic development throughout the state. Attendees will engage in meaningful discussions, networking opportunities, and collaborative planning to further strengthen Indiana’s economic future.

Nellis and Kingsley, together with Carla Ballenger, project management specialist, registered apprenticeships, IU Office of School Partnerships, will present a panel discussion titled Teach Local: Partnering to Develop the Teacher Workforce through Registered Apprenticeships.

During a session on workforce development and talent pipelines, the speakers will discuss the IU Registered Apprenticeship Program for K-12 Teachers (IURAP-T), which is designed to address the state’s teacher shortage. The program, approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers a structured pathway for aspiring teachers to work in a school-based position with mentor teachers while completing abachelor’s degree. The opportunity is especially valuable for individuals who need to work while earning a teaching license, and it benefits school districts and local communities by providing both social and economic impact.

IURAP-T launched in Fall 2024 and continues to grow in communities across the state. IU Kokomo will share how it is utilizing the IURAP-T alongside its paraprofessional

pathway to strengthen the teacher workforce in the north central region of Indiana. Presenters

will discuss success stories and lessons learned during the first semester of implementation, and explore future opportunities for growth in registered apprenticeship programs and how they are valuable for workforce development.

Additional session topics include:

• From Competition to Collaboration: Building the North Central Indiana Healthcare Talent Alliance
• How Entrepreneurship Fits into Economic Development and Regional Prosperity
• Partnering for Progress: IU Southeast's Regional Engagement Strategy
• Partnership to Foster a Manufacturing Pipeline through University Innovation
• Teach Local: Partnering to Develop the Teacher Workforce through Registered Apprenticeships
• Building Ecosystem and Industry Partnerships
• Small Business Development in Wayne County

The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, with a reception to follow until 6 p.m. Registration is $99. For more information and to register, go to engagement.iu.edu/summit/.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.