December 2024
Quarter 2
Welcome
As we close out 2024, we are seeing extraordinary transformations in our work and learning environments. Nonetheless, one thing remains unchanged: the remarkable value of hands-on experience. We are excited to continue our collaboration with our internship partners, who are dedicated to shaping the workforce of tomorrow through their commitment to excellence.
In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, internships have become more crucial than ever. They serve as learning opportunities and launching pads for innovative thinking and real-world problem-solving. Our partners' dedication to providing meaningful, project-based experiences has created pathways for students to develop both traditional skills and the emerging competencies demanded by our digital age.
We're excited to unveil new collaborative initiatives that blend traditional workplace learning with cutting-edge virtual experiences. These hybrid opportunities will equip our interns with the versatility and adaptability needed in today's dynamic work environment. We're committed to preparing our students for the future by integrating AI, automation, and in-demand job skills into our curriculums.
Together, we're not just building careers; we're fostering a community of future leaders who will shape the workplace of tomorrow. Here's to a year of breakthrough achievements, meaningful connections, and continued growth.
Happy Holidays,
Dr. Travis Hueston
Work-Based Learning Coordinator
The Grant Regional Career Center (GRCC) is thrilled to announce its recognition as a leader in career development and work-based learning with two prestigious nominations from Work and Learn Indiana. This achievement underscores the Center’s commitment to excellence in connecting students with meaningful career opportunities through its innovative programs.
The Marion Police Department, a trusted work-based learning partner of GRCC, has also been nominated for the Outstanding Internship Employer of the Year Award. This nomination highlights the department’s exceptional dedication to mentoring and supporting student interns. Their hands-on approach has provided invaluable real-world experiences to many students, including GRCC’s own Westin Martin, a standout in the Criminal Justice program.
Westin, who is currently interning with the Marion Police Department, has been nominated for the Indiana Work-Based Learner of the Year Award. As a criminal justice student with a passion for law enforcement, Westin exemplifies the benefits of GRCC’s work-based learning program. His dedication, professionalism, and eagerness to learn have not only impressed his supervisors but also inspired his peers.
Additionally, Dr. Travis Hueston, GRCC’s Internship and Work-Based Learning Coordinator, has been nominated for the Indiana Career Development Professional of the Year Award. Dr. Hueston’s tireless efforts to forge partnerships, develop innovative programs, and support students in their career journeys have made a lasting impact on the Center and the community.
“These nominations are a testament to the strength of our partnerships, the dedication of our educators, and the talent of our students,” said Dr. Hueston. “It’s an honor to see our efforts recognized at the state level, and I’m especially proud of Westin and the Marion Police Department for their outstanding contributions to our work-based learning initiatives.”
GRCC’s mission is to prepare students for successful careers through hands-on experiences and partnerships with industry leaders. These nominations highlight the Center’s role as a driving force in career readiness and its ability to foster opportunities that bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
The winners of these prestigious awards will be announced during the Work and Learn Indiana Awards Ceremony in February.
We are delighted to announce Project Leadership as our Internship Provider of the Quarter! This recognition celebrates their exceptional dedication to mentorship, education, and community engagement, making them an exemplary partner in providing hands-on, real-world learning experiences for our interns.
Project Leadership has demonstrated outstanding commitment by providing student interns with meaningful insights into career exploration, educational pathways, and community service. Through comprehensive shadowing opportunities, guided training sessions, and mentorship from experienced professionals, our interns have gained invaluable knowledge about post-secondary education planning and career development.
The organization's commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment has created opportunities for interns to develop essential communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills—valuable assets for their future careers, regardless of their chosen field.
Project Leadership's mission to partner with schools and communities to increase high school and post-secondary completion rates sets them apart as an outstanding internship provider. Their focus on helping students Find their Way, Pay for education, and Stay on their post-secondary path demonstrates their dedication to improving our communities' quality of life and economic health.
We are grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to developing the next generation of successful professionals through college access and completion initiatives.
Grant Regional Career Center's welding program students recently visited the prestigious Hobart Institute of Welding Technology (HIWT) in Troy, Ohio, gaining valuable insights into advanced welding education and career opportunities.
During the field trip, GRCC students toured Hobart's state-of-the-art training facilities, which feature over 150 welding booths equipped with the latest industry technology. The students observed various welding processes and techniques demonstrated by HIWT instructors, including TIG, MIG, and stick welding applications.
"Visiting Hobart Institute was an eye-opening experience for our students," said Mr. Brad Hodupp, GRCC's welding instructor. "They got to see firsthand what professional welding training looks like at one of the nation's most respected welding schools."
Students also learned about Hobart's certification programs and career placement services. HIWT representatives discussed the high demand for skilled welders across various industries, from manufacturing and construction to aerospace and energy sectors.
The visit concluded with a Q&A session, during which students could ask questions about admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and career pathways in the welding industry.
GRCC's welding program continues to prepare students for successful careers through hands-on training and valuable educational experiences like the Hobart Institute visit.
The Grant Regional Career Center is thrilled to announce that its internship program is on track to exceed last year’s impressive numbers! Thanks to the dedication of our students, staff, and community partners, the program has seen remarkable growth in the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year.
As of today, our students have clocked 659 internship hours, a significant jump from the 472 hours recorded during the same period last year. This represents a 39% increase and highlights the enthusiasm and commitment of our students to gain real-world experience in their chosen fields.
Why the Growth?
Several factors have contributed to this success:
- Expanded Opportunities: We’ve partnered with more local businesses and organizations than ever before, providing a wider array of internships across industries such as healthcare, welding, criminal justice, and more.
- Enhanced Support: With a focus on preparing students for the workforce, the Career Center has implemented new support systems, including mentorship programs and hands-on guidance from our Internship and Work-Based Learning Coordinator.
- Student Dedication: Our students continue to demonstrate exceptional drive and professionalism, making them highly sought after by our community partners.
A Bright Future Ahead
With semester one numbers already surpassing expectations, we are excited to see what the rest of the school year will bring. These internship opportunities are more than just hours; they represent invaluable learning experiences that prepare our students for successful careers after graduation.
We extend thanks to our local businesses, community partners, and educators for their support. Together, we are empowering the next generation of skilled professionals and setting a high standard for experiential learning.
Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to chart this exciting journey. Here’s to a record-breaking year at the Grant Regional Career Center!
Grant Regional Career Center is proud to announce Aly Filler as this quarter's outstanding intern. Aly, who is currently interning at Hoosier Jiffy Print, has demonstrated exceptional growth and enthusiasm in her role.
At Hoosier Jiffy Print, Aly has immersed herself in the printing and embroidery business, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a professional work environment. Her internship has provided unique insights into the industry's customer-facing and behind-the-scenes aspects.
"What I like about my internship is that I get the opportunity to have the freedom to choose if I want to go into a job like this," Aly shares. "I'm being shown what it's like in a workplace environment and seeing the things you wouldn't normally see as a client."
Through her internship, Aly has developed essential workplace skills while learning technical aspects of the printing and embroidery business. She has learned about various fabrics, embroidery techniques, and industry-specific processes. The supportive staff at Hoosier Jiffy Print has played a crucial role in her learning experience, offering valuable tips and tricks that could benefit her future career path.
"I like feeling welcome by the people working there," Aly notes. "They've been incredibly helpful in teaching me both basic workplace skills and specialized industry knowledge."
GRCC congratulates Aly on this well-deserved recognition and thanks Hoosier Jiffy Print for their continued support of our internship program.
When winter weather impacts school schedules, GRCC wants to ensure all students and community partners understand our internship attendance policy. On days when GRCC announces a 2-hour delay or school cancellation due to inclement weather, students should refrain from reporting to their internship sites.
Student safety is our top priority. This policy helps eliminate any confusion during weather-related schedule changes and allows both students and internship sites to plan accordingly.
As we progress through the academic year, we aim to keep everyone informed and ready for upcoming events. Here are some important reminders:
December 17-18, 2024: Internship Site Supervisors Student Surveys
December 17-20, 2024: 1st Semester Final Exams
December 20, 2024: End of 1st Semester
December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025: Winter Break / No Internships
January 20, 2025: Martin Luther King Day / No Internships
February 3, 2025: E-Learning Day / No Internships
We appreciate your attention to these important dates. Please don't hesitate to reach out to if you have any questions or need further clarification.
