WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – A new initiative in Wayne County is working to connect high school students with local employers through internships and work-based learning opportunities to build a stronger workforce.

The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce recently launched the Student Future Success initiative, a program designed to streamline how students find and apply for hands-on career experiences.

The program comes as Indiana schools adapt to new state graduation requirements, which include work-based learning hours tied to diploma seals. The Chamber developed the SFS model to unify various internship programs, job shadows, and cadet programs under a single system.

“Student Future Success is the way we are bringing job opportunities for work-based learning and internships into the high schools,” said Shawntel Baker, Director of Employer Engagement. Baker is the point of contact for both the schools and employers. “The students had to work so many hours to graduate with those seals.”

 To manage those opportunities, the chamber created a centralized online portal where employers can post opportunities and students can apply. This houses everything that falls under work-based learning internships.

Image source: Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce

“The portal is where we’re housing all job opportunities,” Baker said. “The employers will be able to log in, they create a profile and they list what opportunities they have.”

Students can then create profiles, submit applications, apply for positions, and connect directly with employers for interviews. The initiative officially launched March 9 and is already seeing participation across Wayne County Schools.

“Right now, we currently have 31 employers on the portal with over 105 opportunities where we do have students that are now reviewing and are applying and we do have interviews being set up as we speak,” Baker said.

More than 700 students are currently in the system, representing six high schools across the county. In the school systems, Baker works alongside school coordinators to help students pursue their areas of interest.

Baker said the system addresses previous challenges for employers who were often contacted by multiple schools for the same positions.

“It’s a streamline process now. The employers go in and do their part. The students go in and do their part,” Baker said.

Chamber leaders say the program is designed to support, not replace, existing internship efforts.

“We’re not trying to come in and take over if they already have an internship program already going on within their business,” said Alexis Harmon, Marketing & Communications Specialist with the Chamber. “Our goal is to get in there and say hey, let us help you find your students. Let us help you filter students who are going to be the best fit for you.”

Baker said SFS aims to also encourage students to stay or return to Wayne County after graduation. She added that highlighting industries ranging from healthcare to small businesses helps both students and parents understand what career paths and opportunities are available.

“Many of the jobs they’re interested in are here,” Baker said. “Students only know what they know. And many students only know what their parents do…what better way to showcase what we have available in Wayne County?”

Early feedback from employers has been positive. Baker said the Chamber plans to expand participation gradually, while refining the program based on feedback.

“I would say we’ve heard from employers, it’s so nice to have one singular spot where student information is coming from rather than multiple schools reaching out for the same position,” Harmon said.

For more information about the program, visit WCAreaChamber.org and select the SFS page under the Communities Tab.

RICHMOND, Ind. – Earlham College continues its tradition in hosting notable speakers through the Presidential Lecture Series, bringing national voices to campus and offering opportunities for community engagement.

Most recently, former South Bend Mayor and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited in February 2026, drawing around 1,600 attendees. The Presidential Lecture Series is an annual event, and past speakers have included Van Jones and Nikole Hannah-Jones. David Brooks, who also spoke on campus this academic year, was hosted as part of the Artist and Lecture Series.

“It’s important both for our students and our faculty to engage with these people, but we think of it as a service to the community as well,” said Earlham President Paul Sniegowski.

Images provided by Earlham College.

The lecture series, funded by endowed funds and alumni support, typically brings in two speakers each year, with one in the fall and one in the spring. Speaker selection is guided by the College Council, which includes the vice president, clerk of faculty, dean of the School of Religion, and the president himself.

Sniegowski said the college takes a careful approach to ensuring diverse perspectives.

“We, and I, are very mindful of the various kinds of diversity in bringing in speakers…a function of an institution of higher education is to bring ideas that are a disagreement and have them engage in dialogue about those ideas.”

For Sniegowski, a South Bend native, the visit with Buttigieg held special significance. He described the privilege of sitting on stage with him and participating in discussion. “It felt a bit like playing tennis with somebody who’s way better than you. It just elevates your game,” he said.

Images provided by Earlham College.

The lecture series is part of Earlham’s broader mission to foster dialogue and critical thinking, a responsibility Sniegowski believes the college holds for the community.

“Higher education is about legitimate dialogue about ideas which there is legitimate disagreement…and so that means not having everyone here agree about everything and just be an echo chamber,” he said. “It means surfacing areas of contention and talking about them.”

Beyond the lecture series, Sniegowski highlighted connections between campus initiatives and community revitalization efforts. Reflecting on Buttigieg’s time as mayor, he explained how South Bend partnered with local institutions to transform underutilized riverfront spaces into vibrant recreational and residential areas, creating pathways, parks, and community hubs.

“A kind of model of what might happen and should happen here in Richmond…is actually what happened in South Bend when Pete was mayor,” he said.

While not identical, the Revitalize Richmond project mirrors that approach, with partnerships including city officials and Earlham. Efforts aim to renovate downtown buildings for apartments, create pedestrian and bike-friendly pathways between campus and town, and enhance recreational areas such as the Whitewater River Gorge for hiking, ziplining, and canoeing. Sniegowski emphasized these efforts are designed to benefit students and residents.

Looking ahead, Sniegowski said the series will continue to balance speakers across political, cultural, and gender perspectives. Although no names have been announced, Earlham hopes to host a prominent woman speaker during the fall semester.

Going forward beyond the lecture series, he’s encouraging local residents to see Earlham's historic significance as a resource to the community.

“I hope that people in Richmond will think of Earlham as…one of those places where you can go to see a performance or see a talk or just see a ball game, walk the campus, it’s part of your town.”

RICHMOND, Ind. – Supporters of Ivy Tech Community College have contributed more than $1 million over the past three years to help students across Indiana pursue their education, with a portion of that support making a direct impact in the Richmond area.

College officials say those donations will take center stage during the fourth annual Ivy Tech Day on April 21. The 24-hour fundraising and awareness event begins at midnight and invites alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to give and celebrate student success.

Organizers say Ivy Tech Day is designed not only to raise funds but also to highlight the real-world impact of community support. This year’s event will feature stories of students whose academic journeys have been shaped by donor contributions. At the Richmond campus alone, more than $70,000 has been raised over the past three years. Those funds have supported new scholarships, programs, and expanded educational opportunities for local students.

GREENVILLE, Ohio - More than 130 young women attended the fifth annual Impact STEM2D Conference for Women, hosted by the Darke County Chamber of Commerce and Darke County Economic Development.

The conference, which included students from four local high schools, introduced participants in grades 9-12 to careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, manufacturing, and design.

Students engaged in hands-on workshops, connected with local women working in STEM2D fields, and explored career opportunities at a local employer fair. The event also emphasized professional skills like networking, verbal communication, and employer engagement.

Casey Frazee, AVP/HR Officer at GNB Banking Centers delivered the keynote address. The event was made possible through numerous local sponsors and partners.

RICHMOND, Ind. – Curious about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) works but don’t know where to start? Indiana University East is hosting a day of learning and collaboration on Friday, May 1, 2026, on campus at 2325 Chester Boulevard in Richmond, Indiana. Whether you are a total beginner or a tech-savvy professional, the IU East AI Summit is designed to provide you with practical tools for the future.

Low Pressure, High Value: The day begins (10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.) with the GEN AI Jumpstart Workshop. Located at Springwood Hall Room 211, this "speed-dating" style event features 10-minute mini-sessions. You can drop in for a single topic or stay for multiple rounds to learn how generative AI can help you in practical, everyday ways today.

Shaping Our Region: The day continues in the afternoon (12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.) with the summit at Vivian Auditorium in Whitewater Hall. Participants will join industry and community voices to identify practical strategies for regional growth and discuss how AI can address global technological shifts across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and education. Join Us: This event is free to attend and open to the public. Because registration for the main summit is limited to the first 250 people, early sign-up is encouraged at IU EAST AI SUMMIT: IU East.

Darke County, OH – Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 IGNITE Awards, a recognition program celebrating students who are actively engaging in career development through partnerships with local educators and businesses.

The IGNITE Award honors students who have demonstrated initiative and commitment to their future by participating in real-world, career-connected learning experiences. Eligible activities include mentoring, part-time employment, internships, co-op programs, entrepreneurship, and other collaborative business and education partnerships.

Students who are currently enrolled as juniors or seniors in high school, post-secondary programs, or adult education and training programs—including credential and certification programs—are eligible to be nominated.

Nominations may be submitted by employers, educators, or both. In addition to honoring the students, the program also recognizes the educators and business mentors who support and guide them along their career pathways.

Award recipients and nominators will be recognized during the Darke County Economic Forum on May 1, 2026. The event highlights workforce development efforts and celebrates partnerships that strengthen the local talent pipeline.

The deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Award recipients and nominators will be notified following the review process.

Community members are encouraged to take part in recognizing students who are building valuable skills and contributing to Darke County’s future workforce.

To submit a nomination, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1dOoaeMzP1COi40Zp5bCFBfZaJqN9NiK4q0Ob1_dcQoi8YQ/viewform?usp=header

RICHMOND, Ind. – Whitewater Community Television and Richmond Community Schools are forming a two-year partnership to bring more broadcasting opportunities to the community.

WCTV is relocating its offices to the Richmond High School Career Center. Discussions about the collaboration began last summer.

“We began discussion about helping during time of uncertainty back in the summer. Right away, we knew that a strong partnership at the very least was going to happen,” said Josh Amyx, director of the Richmond Area Career Center.

Discussions quickly evolved into a plan that brings WCTV back to where it was established.

“In working through logistics, it just made sense for them to move to their original home!” Amyx said.

Students in Richmond’s Radio/TV program are moving directly across the hallway from WCTV’s space. The move gives students hands-on experience in real-world media operations.

“They will see what day-to-day operations are like with community members and also be participating in Work-Based Learning opportunities with WCTV as part of our Capstone experience,” he said.

The collaboration also supports Indiana’s new diploma seal requirements, which emphasize work-based learning. “For the new Indiana diploma seals, students must participate in different levels of WBL. Each unique experience that is over 25 hours will count toward their WBL requirements for the different diploma seals. This number ranges from 75 total hours to 650 total hours.”

Beyond meeting state requirements, the partnership is designed to help students develop key skills in media production. “Skills and Competencies are going to be a major part of this partnership. We hope students will gain the skills necessary to work in, promote, and maybe even run a studio someday. Students in the Radio/TV program will have an amazing opportunity to grow and showcase their skills working both in front of and behind the camera as we move forward with the partnership,” Amyx added.

The Richmond Area Career Center hopes to maintain and expand the partnership for years to come. “So far, WCTV and RCS has been on the same page, communicating, dreaming, and working together to make this a reality,” Amyx said.

The program is a model of how schools, businesses, and the community can work together to prepare students for the workforce.

“When schools, businesses, and the community work together for students, amazing things are bound to happen for all parties involved. By growing our own workforce from within, we fill gaps in the economic development of Richmond and Wayne County. Everybody wins with this partnership!”

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce has introduced Student Future Success (SFS) as the new umbrella brand for its Work-Based Learning initiatives across the county.

The initiative is meant to make it easier for students, schools, employers, and community partners to find and understand opportunities. It offers support for career exploration, job shadowing, internships, and hands-on learning experiences.

Chamber officials say the new identity will create a clearer connection between different programs, helping students build toward future career goals over time.

The new branding is not intended to change how school programs operate or alter district rules. Instead, it’s meant to support existing initiatives by giving them a single name and visual identity.

More information about Student Future Success and Work-Based Learning initiatives can be found on the Chamber’s website.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – The NAACP Indiana Branch #3066 is holding a town hall on Tuesday, Feb. 3, focused on freedom of speech policies. The event will run from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Earlham College CoLab and will include free food.

The town hall will bring community members together for discussions led by facilitators in smaller breakout sessions, rather than the usual panel format in previous meetings. The goal is to allow for more in-depth conversations about what people can and cannot say, especially online.

“The NAACP really is trying to provide the community with the knowledge and tools it needs to navigate some of the changing policies that are occurring,” said Debbie Carter, with the NAACP.

The goal is to share information, data, and guidance to attendees.

This marks the fourth town hall hosted by Richmond’s chapter.

“Really, we’re just looking at what’s happening in the world, what’s happening in our country and in our city, and trying to fill the needs and concerns,” Carter said.

Attendees can expect to leave with actionable ideas on how to make a difference in their community.

“You’re going to learn something,” Carter said. “You’re going to really learn how you can fit into what’s happening today, how you can make an impact, how you can make a difference.”

She added that community members have many ways to get involved, from writing and calling officials to donating to causes.

The NAACP is a non-partisan organization. The town hall is sponsored by the Wayne County Foundation, Reid Health, and Indiana University East, with Earlham College serving as the host.

Carter said the Richmond branch is a diverse group and welcomes community members of all backgrounds.

“We have something for everyone,” she said.

More information can be found on the NAACP Facebook page.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – A community-wide Valentine’s Day encouragement card drive is coming up to collect handwritten messages for students and educators across Wayne County.

Communities In Schools of Wayne County (CISWC) is inviting community members, families, local businesses, faith groups, civic organizations, and neighbors to write Valentine’s Day cards and short notes of encouragement.

Notes can be as short as one or two sentences and are intended to boost morale during the winter months and provide motivation as Spring Break approaches.

Winter can be a challenging season for motivation and mental wellness, especially for students and teachers balancing academics, attendance, and everyday stress.

CISWC’s campaign offers a simple way for the community to show support and strengthen school connectedness, reminding students and educators they are seen, valued, and not alone.

The drive also highlights how small, low-cost acts of kindness can create a meaningful impact across local schools.

CISWC will distribute cards to students and teachers through partner schools. Cards and notes must be dropped off by Friday, February 13.

Drop-off locations include:

• Communities In Schools of Wayne County — 800 Mendleson Drive, Richmond, In 47374
• Any CISWC partnered school (drop at the front office and note they are for Communities In Schools): Centerville Elementary, Rose Hamilton Elementary, Northeastern Elementary, Northeastern Jr/Sr High, Hagerstown Elementary, and Hagerstown Jr/Sr High.

CISWC also welcomes encouragement notes throughout the year beyond Valentine’s Day.

RICHMOND, Ind. – Earlham will have another well-known figure on campus as part of their public lecture series.

Pete Buttigieg will be in Richmond on Wednesday, Feb. 18, as part of the College’s Presidential Lecture Series.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. in the Druley Performance Gym, which is in the Athletics and Wellness Center on campus.

Buttigieg is the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and a former naval officer. He also previously served as the 32^nd mayor of South Bend, Indiana from 2012 to 2020.

Earlham’s Presidential Lecture Series serves to bring voices in public service, policy, and civic life to campus.

INDIANA – An Indianapolis-based company is helping Hoosier families navigate the FAFSA as the state approaches a key financial-aid deadline.

INvestED provides free guidance to students and parents completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the form required to access federal, state, and most college-based financial aid.

“Our sole mission is to help families in all the ways possible to get ready for education beyond high school, planning, preparation, have less student loan debt, all of those different things,” said William Wozniak with INvestED.

Wozniak said FAFSA remains central to that mission, noting that many families miss out on grants and scholarships simply by not filing.

“The FAFSA is the gateway to almost all types of financial aid,” said Wozniak. “It’s for federal student aid, it’s for state of Indiana financial aid, it’s for grants and scholarships. The generous money that comes from the colleges themselves, almost always is tied to filing the FAFSA.”

The priority deadline to submit the FAFSA is April 15. Wozniak said colleges are already preparing aid packages for the upcoming academic year. He encouraged families to begin the process now. “If you’re eligible, we want to make sure you’re in their planning.”

INvestED has operated for over 40 years, offering one-on-one assistance to families completing FAFSA, comparing college costs, and understanding financial-aid awards. While the organization provides information on student and parent loan options, it emphasizes borrowing only what is necessary.

INvestED also hosts workshops, school visits, and FAFSA events statewide. More information can be found on their website.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – The Wayne County Foundation has opened its scholarship applications for high school and college students.

The deadline to apply is Friday, February 6 at noon.

Four applications are available this year, including separate forms for high school and college students, along with the Caitlin Nichole Walter Memorial Scholarship and the Nixon Family Scholarship.

Students can find application materials and eligibility details on the Foundation’s website.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – Two Wayne County student have been awarded the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for 2026.

Richmond High School senior Priya Hodges and Hagerstown High School senior Abigail Lumpkin were selected for their academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

The scholarship, administered by the Wayne County Foundation, covers full tuition and fees at any Indiana college or university, plus an annual stipend for books. Both students will also join the Lilly Scholars Network, allowing them to connect with peers and leadership opportunities statewide.

Hodges, active in Girl Scouts, student council, and environmental initiatives, plans to study ecological engineering at Purdue University.

Lumpkin, involved in FFA, 4-H, and church volunteer work, will pursue nursing at Indiana University East.

Since 1998, Lilly Endowment has invested more than $505 million in scholarships, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students.

RICHMOND, Ind. – Now through December 1, IU East students and Wayne County high school seniors have the opportunity to showcase their writing talents in a regional contest.

The 2025 IU East Community-Engagement Writing Contest, hosted by Indiana University East, invites participants to submit original writing that celebrates the character of east central Indiana and west central Ohio. Students are encouraged to share perspectives on the region’s landscapes, architecture, businesses and community stories.

The contest is open to all IU East undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in at least one fall class, and to Wayne County seniors in the 2025-26 school year. Entries must include a title, citations, and supporting visuals if used.

“Whether you’re an IU East student living in our service area or a Wayne County high school student, you have a valuable viewpoint to share,” the university noted in its announcement. “Your writing can help others, whether they’re new residents or potential visitors, better understand and appreciate the richness of our region.”

Awards will be given in three topic areas that include Community Dynamics, Local Landscape and Personal Narrative. First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected in each category for each participant group.

Prizes will be awarded as scholarships deposited directly into the students' IU East bursar accounts. First place winners will receive $250, second place $150, and third place $100. Wayne County high school winners must apply their scholarships toward IU East tuition and fees.

Find out more information here.

Story submission and photo provided by Dave Snow.

Left to right: Joanna Hahn, Elizabeth Gamez, and Irene Cheung

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind – According to a release shared by Richmond Community Schools and Early Head Start, the organizations are partnering to collect baby formula donations.

This initiative aims to assist local families while SNAP funding is being reinstated.

Donation can be dropped off at Early Head Start in Richmond from Nov. 10-13 and Nov. 17-20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Families in need can pick up formula on Nov. 14 and 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the same location

Proof of a SNAP EBT card and Wayne County residence will be required for pickup.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – A new community art project is adding color to Wayne County’s snowplows this winter, thanks to students from across the county.

Cathy Williams, a member of the Wayne County Council, was inspired to start the initiative after seeing a similar story on television.

“I had seen the article on an Indianapolis news station about four years ago,” Williams said. “I thought it looked like a great idea.”

The art project involved several working hands to put everything together.

Williams connected with local educators, including Charles School Principal Ashley Gerard and Richmond Community Schools’ Bridget Hazelbaker, who helped coordinate invitations and logistics.

Hazelbaker helped send invitations for this project to schools throughout the county, and 13 school buildings joined the project. The ages of participating students ranged from elementary to high school.

The project, called “Plow-erful,” was made possible through donations from local businesses and organizations. The Wayne County Highway Department and the City of Richmond Street Department provided the plow blades. Primex Plastics donated plastic foam boards to protect school property during painting, and Painters Supply & Equipment Co. in Cambridge City contributed most of the paint.

“We got the big V plows from them and then the smaller straight plows from the City of Richmond Street Department. Both departments were really happy to work with us,” Williams said.

Williams said she hoped this project would be a memorable experience for students and a cheerful sight once winter arrives. More than just an art project, "Plow-erful" is about inclusion and joy.

“We just want to do something that helps,” Williams said. “Not everybody’s into sports. Not everybody has the money to play a musical instrument, and so maybe art is something that is for that child.”

The painted plows feature a variety of designs, from winter and holiday themes to displays of school spirit.

While not currently planned as an annual event, Williams hopes “Plow-erful” will return in the future.

“I hope that at some point we would do them again, and some of the schools that didn’t get to participate this time will the next time,” she said.

The finished snowplows line up along North A Street near the city building, where they’ll remain on view for the next few weeks.

Williams encouraged residents with creative ideas for community projects to reach out. “Anything that we can do better, and we can do together, let us do that together.”

WINCHESTER, Ind. – Winchester Community High School is celebrating one of their own. This month, Madelyn Hines was named National Female Youth Leader of the Year by the National Youth Council.

The award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to serving their community. Hines received the honor at the Town Meeting on Tomorrow in St. Louis, Missouri.

The recognition underscores Hines’ commitment to leadership and community service.

WCHS Principal Karla Reed said Hines is a great leader at school and deserving of this recognition. 

"She is a top tier student, an officer in several school organizations, and a leader in the community through her church.  Maddie is the kind of student you want younger children to be around as a mentor.  We are so pleased she was chosen as this award winner and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes the rest of the year and as she heads off to college!" Reed said.

RICHMOND, Ind. - Richmond High School students now have a clearer pathway to college, due to a newly established partnership between Richmond Community Schools and Indiana University East.

The program, which officially launched on Friday, October 18, provides eligible students with direct admission to IU East. This is a move school leaders believe will have a lasting impact on student success and college readiness. 

"We are confident this program will have a substantial positive impact on our students," said Samuel Pritchard, Assistant Superintendent at Richmond Community Schools.

The partnership was established through a collaborative meeting between leadership teams from both institutions. IU East was represented by Dr. Jerry Wilde, Ethan Tauscher, and Brian Thomas. This team met with Richmond Community Schools officials, including Superintendent Dr. Wright, RHS Principal Rae Woolpy, and members of the counseling and administrative teams.

"This program offers significant benefits to our students in two key areas," said Pritchard. "It encourages students to proactively consider their post-secondary pathways."

Pritchard also said direct admission provides students with a concrete post-secondary option, demonstrating that multiple pathways and opportunities exist for them after leaving RHS. 

The program targets RHS sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. On launch day, 545 eligible students received direct admission letters from IU East. 

The support doesn't stop at the admission letters. Pritchard said ongoing communication continues between IU East and RCS administration in support of students' future planning. Students also have access to IU East admissions staff who can discuss higher education opportunities as well as other collegiate options and workforce readiness. 

"IU East is committed to ongoing communication with RCS and RHS administration to support students' future planning," he said.

In addition to this pathway, RHS already offers 26 dual credit courses, with opportunities beginning as early as ninth grade. Middle school students can take high school credit courses, allowing them more flexibility to pursue advanced or technical education during high school.

Looking ahead, Pritchard said the district is excited about the possibilities of this partnership. Right now, their focus remains on making the most of this opportunity for Richmond students.

"We're grateful to IU East for extending this opportunity to our students," he said. "This inaugural event was just the beginning, and we're already developing plans to deepen and expand this relationship in the years to come."

RICHMOND, Ind. - Local school districts in eastern Indiana and western Ohio have welcomed new leadership over the past year, marking a period of transition and renewed direction for public education in the region. 

In Wayne County, Kelly Plank was approved as the new superintendent of Western Wayne Schools in July 2025. She replaced the position of Andy Stover, who resigned to take a position at Fayette County School Corp. Plank previously served as the director of curriculum and instruction for Northeastern Wayne Schools.

Across the state line in Ohio, Eaton Community Schools saw a change in leadership as Scott Couch officially took over as superintendent on Aug. 1, 2025, following the retirement of longtime superintendent Jeff Parker. Couch was a former graduate of EHS.

Meanwhile, the National Trail Local School District named Jennifer Couch as superintendent in May 2024. Couch was the middle school principal at National Trail for five years.