INDIANAPOLIS—Efforts by the Indianapolis Public School system to provide better work-based training for its high school students got a big boost Wednesday, when JPMorgan Chase announced a $1 million grant to help fund the programs.
"Our rapidly-changing economy requires new skills to meet the growing needs of companies across the region," said Al Smith, chairman of JPMorgan Chase in Indiana. "This public-private collaboration will create economic opportunity and career mobility. It's an investment in Indianapolis' moat valuable resource — our vibrant student population that will be better prepared to compete for well-paying career and bright futures."
IPS began new college and career options for high school students this academic year as part of the new All-Choice High School Model.
Students choose a high school based on their desired area of study — there is no restriction on where they live..
The school system is also partnering with the city-based EmployIndy program and a national job-training initiative known as JFF.
"Having access to quality work-based learning opportunities will provide IPS students with employability skills necessary to succeed beyond high school," said Interim Superintendent Aleesia Johnson. "This generous investment by JPMorgan Chase will support the efforts of IPS and EmployIndy to ensure that all IPS students have access to meaningful work-based learning opportunities, and employers have the ability to engage with our students — the future of our workforce.
