INDIANAPOLIS — The path to a good life often starts with a good career. The Indy Parks Corps program hopes to train young adults for some of those jobs.

The 12-week course teaches job skills for people between the ages of 17 and 24, which includes internships in the field and payment for their work.
"They start at $14 an hour and end at $16 an hour," said Alexus Moore of the Edna Martin Christian Center, which hosts the training. "It's super important especially in this economy to not only understand what kind of work you want to do, but how can you get there."

Indy Parks Corps graduate Aniyah Cottingham returned to the program this year to mentor newcomers. She said the program helped her get closer to her dream career.
"My goal is to work in wildlife conservation, I really just want to help the planet and help educate people," Cottingham said. "I interned at the Eagle Creek Orinthology Center. I loved learning about invasive species, native species and caring for the birds."

Fellow program graduate Mars Anderson-Wust parlayed her internship with Indianapolis Animal Care Services into a full-time position with them.
"It was one of my dreams to work with animals, whether wildlife or domestic animals, and this was the perfect opportunity for me," Anderson-Wust said.

The next round of the Indy Parks Corps program will start next spring.
-
3 young people injured in shooting after Beech Grove fireworks
Beech Grove Police confirmed that three young people were injured, all with non-life-threatening injuries, in a shooting after the fireworks display Friday night.
Politics panel says court rulings have little effect in Indiana
Two members of Indiana’s best political team said they don’t expect the Supreme Court’s transgender athlete ruling to factor heavily into elections this fall.
Conner Prairie to host America 250 events, including Star Spangled Symphony
Friday and Saturday’s Fourth of July festivities include performances from the Symphony on the Prairie and many other activities to tell the history of the United States.
CarmelFest kicks off celebrating America's 250th, Carmel's 50th
CarmelFest 2026 kicked off Friday afternoon. This year’s celebration not only marks America’s 250th birthday but also the 50th anniversary of Carmel officially becoming a city.