Education Video

Ball State's Digital Marketing Summer Academy
Ball State University is offering a new unique program this summer for high school students to explore career interests and get a taste of life on a college campus. The Digital Marketing Summer Academy includes courses designed with 21st-century skills in mind, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and communication. For more information about the academy or to apply online click here.

Inside INnovation: TechServ
A central Indiana tech company says it is making a difference by providing the health care, higher education and public safety sectors with the data-driven tools needed for success. TechServ Corp. President Sunny Lu Williams explains how the IT solutions management firm is growing its global footprint.

Women & Hi Tech Celebrating 20 Years in Indy
Nonprofit Women & Hi Tech is marking its 20th year in Indianapolis. The organization is celebrating by awarding more than $20,000 in scholarships and grants to women in Indiana studying in the STEM fields. Plus, they are getting ready for the third annual "Ignite Your Superpower" STEM day.

Decatur Schools Piloting Social Emotional Curriculum
The Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township has added new social emotional learning programs to help students of all ages develop deeper relationships and greater understanding of social and emotional education. The district is integrating two strategies designed to drastically improve school climate as well as student’s mental health, social skills and overall academic achievement.

Mira Awards 2019: Tech Educator of the Year
Ariel Crawley is a dedicated leader, mentor, and advocate for the Ivy Works program at Ivy Tech Community College...it’s a unique partnership with Indy Women in Tech. Learn how this Tech Educator of the Year forges relationships with students and companies and the impact she is having on the tech community.

Innovate WithIN Competition Holding Finals
Eleven finalists will pitch their businesses today in the second annual Innovate WithIN pitch competition. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. hosts the high school student competition, which drew nearly 160 pitches from over 80 high schools throughout the state.

Purdue Ag Week
Purdue Ag Week is a tradition that started in 2012, hosted by students and created to engage the campus community in the importance of agriculture. Multiple new events have been added this year to celebrate Purdue’s Sesquicentennial. Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Bruce Kettler and Purdue Ag Week Task Force Chairman Dane Voris Chapman are here with highlights of the week.

O'Neill Dean on School's New Name
The Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs has been renamed in honor of Paul O'Neill’s prestigious career and his $30 million gift to the school. Dean John Graham explains how it will help the largest school of public administration and public policy in the U.S.

Inside the Tobias Center Executive in Residence Program
The Randall Tobias Leadership Center is starting a new Executive in Residence program through Indiana University to help connect students and faculty with business leaders in the community. The inaugural Executive in Residence Neal Rothermel, co-founder of VMS BioMarketing, and the center’s Executive & Academic Director Julie Manning Magid explain the goals of the program.

Women in Education: Dr. Jennifer Palilonis
For many years, journalism professor Dr. Jennifer Palilonis researched and developed a master’s degree program, called Emerging Media Design and Development in Ball State University’s Department of Journalism. The program, also known as EMDD, is a unique field bringing together students with diverse backgrounds and creating the next generation of business communicators in this media-centered world.

Women in Education: Dr. Jennifer Palilonis
For many years, journalism professor Dr. Jennifer Palilonis researched and developed a master’s degree program, called Emerging Media Design and Development in Ball State University’s Department of Journalism. The program, also known as EMDD, is a unique field bringing together students with diverse backgrounds and creating the next generation of business communicators in this media-centered world.

Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy
The Indiana University Public Policy Institute has created a research center that focuses on inclusion and social policy. It’s called the Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy or CRISP for short. The center’s new director explains its mission and how it connects with issues like education, poverty and housing.

The Mind Trust Gives $1M to Renovate P.R. Mallory Building
Indianapolis-based education nonprofit The Mind Trust has awarded $1 million to the John Boner Neighborhood Centers. The gift will fund the $36 million renovation of the P.R. Mallory Building to house Purdue Polytechnic High School and Paramount Englewood.

Inside Paramount Schools' Artisan Cheese Enterprise
Middle school students at Paramount Schools are part of a unique entrepreneurial opportunity. They are running a licensed dairy operation and hub for its artisan cheese enterprise. In our (i) on Education, leadership explain why this is an important part of the school’s STEM curriculum.

Purdue Polytechnic HS Picks Second Location
Purdue Polytechnic High School plans to open a second Indianapolis charter school in Broad Ripple this fall. Thanks to a special relationship with the CEO of Indianapolis-based developer Keystone Group, the STEM-focused high school is able to expand to Indy's north side.

Central Christian Academy Launches Marketing Program
Some students at a private school on the south side of Indianapolis are helping local nonprofits through a student-run marketing agency. The head of school at Central Christian Academy explains how the experience could help students land a job after high school.

INFAME Addressing Skilled Manufacturing Workforce Needs
The Indiana Manufacturers Association ?has begun an employer-driven education program, INFAME, to provide skilled workers for the state’s manufacturing sector. The initiative builds on the state’s efforts to helpstudents pursue career and technical education and employers to establish a pipeline of talent.

Purdue Touts Milestone For Startups
Purdue University is celebrating a milestone in startup creation reached last year. The university says it has reached 223 startups with more than $350 million in funding and investments generated, as well as more than 300 new jobs. In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Purdue Research Foundation Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Placemaking Greg Deason said the rise in startup activity followed a challenge by President Mitch Daniels shortly after he took office.

New USI President Looks to Tell School, Region Story
Six months into the job, the new president of the University of Southern Indiana says one of his top priorities is "making sure people know who we are." Ronald Rochon says one way to do that is to tell the story of what a "vital component" the school is of economic development in southwest Indiana and beyond.

Langellier: Internship Program a 'Talent Pipeline'
The head of the state’s technology sector initiative says a new extended internship program addresses a big challenge in traditional internships. TechPoint and IUPUI last week announced the Xtern Semester program, which gives seniors the ability to continue their paid internships with Indy tech companies when they return to class in the fall. Chief Executive Officer Mike Langellier says the traditional internship model doesn’t really work for the students or the employer.

IMA: Education Initiative a 'Win-Win'
The Indiana Manufacturers Association says its recently-announced education program is a "win-win" for both employers and students throughout the state. The organization has launched the Indiana Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, which aims to provide skilled workers for the state's manufacturing industry through a dual-track training effort.

Dept. of Labor Honors Eleven Fifty
Fishers-based Eleven Fifty Academy says it is the first in Indiana and one of just a few in the nation to be recognized by the U.S. Department of labor as a software development apprenticeship program. The department is taking part in a ceremonial signing with the academy this morning at Eleven Fifty's headquarters in Launch Fishers.

Inside the New Institute for Workforce Excellence
The Indiana Chamber has released the results of this year’s Employer Workforce Survey, and once again it shows companies can’t find enough workers. In our (i) on Education, learn why the chamber’s new Institute for Workforce Excellence can help Indiana become a national workforce leader.

I on Education: EduSource
Indianapolis-based EduSource develops custom software for clients, with the help of college students they hire as software engineer apprentices. In our (i) on Education, the company’s founder talks about developing tomorrow’s leaders and the local tech ecosystem through real-life projects.

Infosys Hub to 'Reskill' Workforce
India-based Infosys, which today broke ground on a $35 million U.S. Education Center in Indianapolis, says the campus will prepare the American workforce for the technology jobs of the future. "Continuous learning and reskilling are core components of Infosys' DNA," said Chief Operating Officer UB Pravin, adding the company will use the facility on the former Indianapolis International Airport terminal site to train 10,000 new American hires.

Lafayette Town Hall: Purdue President Mitch Daniels
Inside INdiana Business is on the road this week, coming to you from Greater Lafayette known for two great cities and one great university. We start the conversation with the Governor turned university president, who has wasted no time in getting down to business, whether it’s education or the economy.

'Game-Changer' Skillful Program Coming to Indiana
A national nonprofit has chosen Indiana as the next state for its Skillful initiative, designed to help workers, especially those without four-year college degrees, find good jobs in a changing economy. The New York-based Markle Foundation is working with partners including Microsoft Philanthropies, Walmart and Purdue University on the workforce development effort.

Conwell: Campaign Counting on Corporate Support
The president of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology says non-alums and corporate partners will be key to the success of a $250 million fundraising campaign, which kicked off its public phase today. Jim Conwell says companies around the world need workers who can adapt to industry changes "we can't even begin to predict," and says The Mission Driven Campaign for Rose-Hulman will help put the faculty and facilities in place to produce those students.

Job Event For Students Aims to 'Ignite Enthusiasm'
An event this week in Indianapolis is providing over 9,000 central Indiana 8th graders with what organizers say is a first-hand look at potential future careers. JA JobSpark, an annual Junior Achievement of Central Indiana program, brings together students from 62 schools and representatives from 120 employers to take part in career exploration activities. JA of Central Indiana Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Burk says it's never too early to engage students in focusing on their future.

'From Normal to Extraordinary' Salutes Ball State
More than a year of preparations, shooting and editing will culminate in Thursday evening's debut of a student-produced documentary to officially kick off the 100th anniversary of the founding of Ball State University. The centennial celebration, which has already included smaller-scale initiatives throughout the Muncie campus, will also involve "red carpet" experiences, a fireworks display and Ball State Symphony Orchestra accompaniment of the documentary.

Lubbers Weighs In on Future of 'Higher Learning'
Indiana's commissioner for higher education says many colleges and universities are reporting higher enrollment, despite the current period of near-full employment when many people choose the workforce over school. However, Teresa Lubbers expects much of the future growth to come in "higher learning spaces," like apprenticeships and coding academies, rather than traditional colleges and universities.

Documentary to Feature Hoosier Students' Future-Shaping Journey
A new documentary that follows the journey of three Indiana students interviewing professionals in some of Indiana's signature industries will debut Thursday. "State of Change" was produced in partnership with Roadtrip Nation, a national organization that focused on career exploration. Some of the companies featured through interviews by the students include Scott Farms in Carroll and Cass counties, GE Aviation in Lafayette and Salesforce.com Inc. in Indianapolis.

Mearns Pleased With Ball State's Message, Momentum
As Ball State ramps up the celebration of its centennial, President Geoffrey Mearns says the school will continue to grow through a broader message and a stronger partnership with the Muncie community. Mearns, who began his tenure as president 15 months ago, says Ball State has launched a more "visible and vocal" marketing campaign to tell its story throughout the United States.

Codelicious Secures Nearly $1M in Funding
An Indianapolis-based computer science curriculum startup has closed on a new round of funding. Codelicious has secured $940,000 in funding, nearly double its goal of $500,000. The company says it will use the money to scale up sales and marketing efforts, build out intellectual property and add critical personnel, though specific jobs numbers were not given.

Inside Infosys Foundation's Pathfinders Institute
Teachers typically take a break from school in the summer, but hundreds went back to the classroom to learn about computer science at the inaugural Pathfinders Summer Institute. We explain how the Infosys Foundation is attacking the digital divide in the classroom.

Funding Boosts Kenzie Academy Growth
A $4.2 million investment round has tech training school Kenzie Academy Inc. gearing up for growth. The company, which is headquartered in San Francisco and has its first campus in Indianapolis, is looking to expand its learning tracks and, eventually, its number of campuses. Co-founder Chok Ooi says Kenzie Academy oversubscribed on its second seed stage of funding and had to ask some investors to dial down their backing.

Inside Grace College's New Science Complex
Grace College in Winona Lake is ready to open its $8 million Dr. Dane Miller Science Complex. The college’s president and director of the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams talk about the importance of investing in science and the complex’s innovative features.

Partnership Promoting Ag to Next Generation
Leaders from the Indianapolis-based National FFA Organization and AgriNovus Indiana have unveiled an initiative designed to expose attendees of the massive annual FFA Convention and Expo to careers and innovation in agriculture. The Blue Room -- a 17,000 square-foot interactive experience -- will focus on experiential learning to help grow the talent pipeline in the sector.

New Approach to Developing Leaders
To meet the demands of today’s rapidly changing world, modern leaders can no longer rely on a traditional model for effective leadership. That’s why The Institute for Postindustrial Leadership at the University of Indianapolis supports a new paradigm of leadership principles.

Indianapolis Prize Winner to Use Award as Leverage
The winner of this year's Indianapolis Prize wants to use the honor and the $250,000 in prize money to serve as a multiplier for his wildlife conservation efforts. Russell Mittermeier, who was a finalist twice previously, says he plans to use the platform and part of the funding to leverage additional donations toward causes such as biodiversity, tropical forest protection and saving individual animal groups and species.

Leading Light Awards Celebrates Women in STEM
Every two years Women & Hi Tech hold the Leading Light Awards to recognize and celebrate women of achievement in STEM Fields. They are now taking nominations for the 2018 awards and scholarships. We speak with the organization about its effort to celebrate women in STEM.

Ivy Tech Fundraising Leads The Nation Again
The Ivy Tech Foundation says, for the ninth consecutive year, a national report shows it is number one among U.S. community colleges for fundraising. The school took in $16.4 million in 2017 according to the Voluntary Support For Education survey. Foundation President John Murphy says fundraising over the last five years doubled the total during the previous five-year period.

Republic Airways Unveils Lift Academy
Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings Inc. is launching a training academy it says will address a "critical pilot shortage" and ultimately create more than 600 jobs. Airline leadership discusses how the academy is designed to create a direct-to-hire, classroom-to-cockpit, path for its students.

Indy, McDonald's Teaming Up For Summer Jobs Program
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett's office is teaming up with EmployIndy and McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) for a new summer youth jobs partnership. The initiative, which will include recent enhancements to the McDonald's education program Archways to Opportunity, aims to connect young adults ages 16 to 24 with job opportunities throughout the Indianapolis area.

Fishers Town Hall: Entrepreneurship, Innovation in the Classroom
The introduction of technology into the workforce and classroom is disrupting traditional education systems and environments. Two Hamilton County educators share how they are incorporating entrepreneurship and innovation into curriculum.

Feminine Hygiene Product Wins 'Next Launch' Competition
A sustainable feminine hygiene product developed by a Fishers High School student took the $25,000 first place prize in Wednesday's "The Next Launch" competition at the Indiana IoT Lab in Fishers. The event drew business ideas from students from eight high schools throughout the Midwest. The Rob Rubin School for the Entrepreneur at Culver Academies helped organize the event.

'Next Launch' Fueling Student Innovation
Students from eight high schools throughout the Midwest are today competing for $40,000 in prizes at "The Next Launch" at The Indiana IoT Lab in Fishers. The Rob Rubin School for the Entrepreneur at Culver Academies helped organize the event. Director Alex Kurrelmeier says the goal is to make the competition national to address "a huge need for entrepreneurial development at a high school level."

I-Corps Program Targets Entrepreneurs Statewide
Purdue is launching an I-Corps program across the state in partnership with Elevate Ventures to help early stage startups commercialize their technologies. Find out how this National Science Foundation program aims to boost entrepreneurship and economic development.

Manchester University Touts Unique Pharma Offering
The director of pharmacogenomics education at Manchester University says a first-of-its-kind in the nation offering could double or triple the number of pharmacists in the country with pharmacogenomics expertise. David Kisor said in our most recent edition of Life Sciences Indiana the dual doctor of pharmacy and master of pharmacogenomics program could help reduce the occurrence of adverse drug reactions.

Chamber Joins 'Achieve Your Degree' Program
The state's largest post-secondary education institution and largest business advocacy organization have announced a partnership. Indiana Chamber of Commerce members are now eligible for Ivy Tech Community College's Achieve Your Degree Program, which involves a five percent tuition discount for companies with tuition assistance programs or for employees paying for their own education.

Purdue President Weighs in on District Development
Purdue University has announced another private employer's plans to locate to the 450-acre Purdue Discovery Park District and create hundreds of jobs in the coming years. Washington-based Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc., led by President Ed Schweitzer, a Purdue graduate, says it will build a 100,000 square-foot electric power research facility in multiple phases.

Circle Centre Continues Space-Filling Efforts
As the Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis continues its transformation, the high-profile property has announced several new businesses and the relocation of Purdue Polytechnic High School. General Manager Audrie Thompson says the announcement, which follows word in February that the 25-year-old landmark was receiving a multi-million dollar facelift, fits with the changing landscape and demographics downtown.

Indiana Holds First HS Pitch Competition
The state's inaugural high school pitch competition is in the books and a team of students from Noblesville High School have taken the top prize. Educaid, which created board games designed to help Hoosier students learn business concepts such as marketing and management, beat eight other finalists to win $10,000, one year of college tuition at a state college or university, mentoring services and internship opportunities.

Teach Indy Seeks to Bolster Teacher Pipeline
The director of talent strategy for Indianapolis-based The Mind Trust says a new initiative launched in collaboration with Indianapolis Public Schools and the Mayor's Office of Education Innovation aims to address teacher shortages in one of the hardest hit areas of the city. Jackie Gantzer says Teach Indy seeks to strengthen the pipeline of teacher talent by recruiting educators from throughout the state and the country.

CourseNetworking Connecting High School Students
An educational partnership with CourseNetworking and the Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township is helping students build a professional image to help prepare them for future employment opportunities. We’ll show you how the CN ePortfolio works.

Women Educator: Codelicious
Codelicious is a woman-led, tech company that develops and licenses educational curriculum for teaching problem solving and analytical thinking through coding. Guest Host and Pharm CEO Erin Albert talks with CEO Christine McDonnell about the startup’s aggressive growth plans.

Infosys Creating Talent in 'Hidden Jewel'
As India-based Infosys looks to fill thousands of openings at its tech and innovation but in Indianapolis over the next few years, the company's president says the onus is on the tech giant to create its own talent. During a Studio(i) interview, Ravi Kumar said, "It's myopic if you actually look at just the market and say, 'This is the talent pool available.'"

Infosys Tech Hub Aims to Grow Indiana's Tech Profile
The president of India-based Infosys (NYSE: INFY) says the company's new Indianapolis Technology and Innovation Hub will organically create tech talent that is currently not available. Ravi Kumar joined Governor Eric Holcomb and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to cut the ribbon on the hub at OneAmerica Tower in downtown Indianapolis which he says could help make Indiana the tech hub of the Midwest.

Pacers STEM Fest to Showcase 'New Wave' Jobs
The Indiana Pacers and Conexus Indiana are this weekend joining more than 40 business, nonprofit and education partners for STEM Fest 2018 in Indianapolis. Thousands of participants, ranging from elementary students to recent college graduates from more than 100 schools throughout the state, are expected to attend. Bryce Carpenter with Conexus says the event will expose students to the "new wave" of STEM jobs.

Private School Shatters Fundraising Goal, Opts to Raise Bar
The chief executive officer of an Indianapolis urban-based private school network says an overachieving fundraising campaign will move growth plans to an "all together different trajectory." Andrew Hart says, with the help of an additional $2 million in donations The Oaks Academy is now seeking, it wants to add teachers, develop new infrastructure and make facility improvements to boost its potential enrollment from the current 815 to more than 1,200.

Tech Leaders Talk At Hour of Code
Governor Eric Holcomb sat alongside students learning coding at the statehouse today for Hour of Code, one of the single largest global education initiatives of its kind. Inside INdiana Business talks to Infosys Foundation USA Chairperson and President Kaustav Mitra and Nextech President Karen Jung about the importance of the event.

Infosys Targets Tech Teaching Gap
Infosys Foundation USA used today's Hour of Code events to announce a program designed to address what its chairperson calls "one of the biggest gaps" in education. Kaustav Mitra says the Pathfinders Summer Institute will bring hundreds of K-12 teachers from throughout the United States to Indiana University in Bloomington for computer science training.

Stanczykiewicz: Giving Tuesday 'Spans The Generations'
The director of The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in Indianapolis says if the upward trend continues, Giving Tuesday could net charities and nonprofits throughout the nation $200 million. Bill Stanczykiewicz calls the campaign, which was started six years ago, "a significant net positive to charitable giving" and engages new donors worldwide at a time of year when philanthropic giving is traditionally high.

Purdue Unveils Boiler Affordability Grants
Purdue University is launching another affordability effort. The Boiler Affordability Grant is designed to cover expenses not taken care of after Indiana resident undergraduates have pursued need-based financial aide. It will fund tuition, fees and book costs using a pool of existing university resources, donations and through Purdue savings efforts.

Inside Crossroads Education LLC
Kevin Michael Berkopes, a mathematician in the School of Science at IUPUI, has launched an education and logistics tech company called Crossroads Education LLC. The startup creates innovative, collaborative learning spaces and the tech that drives and supports them. The company’s model constructs education around multiple access points, including a differentiation between students’ first access and second access to content.

Indy Poised For Grow With Google
A first-of-its-kind event from one of the biggest names in tech will kick off Friday in Indianapolis. Grow With Google, a free event that runs through Saturday, is billed as an opportunity for anyone from job seekers to students to entrepreneurs to improve their digital skills. The Indiana State Museum will host more than 20 workshops and 100 coaching sessions over two days.

Mearns Wants Ball State 'More Visible And Vocal'
Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns says the school's new branding campaign comes at a time that "we've been a little quiet." He says the "We Fly" theme, developed through research and focus group sessions over several months, He says the campaign is targeting prospective students, current students and alumni who have only been "modestly" engaged in the past. Mearns took office in May.

New Partnership Fueling Belden Workforce Training Program
Ivy Tech Foundation Richmond and network infrastructure platform Belden Inc. have joined forces to create a training program. The Belden Workforce Training Program will train high school juniors and seniors, in preparation for paid internships at Belden, even a career after graduation.

Partnership Seeks 'Vital' School Broadband
Indiana has launched a partnership with a national nonprofit aimed at bringing high-speed internet to every classroom in the state. Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick says nearly 40,000 students are not connected, which is "not acceptable in this day and age." She says EducationSuperHighway will work with the Indiana Department of Education and local schools to determine how to increase digital access and capacity with available state and federal funds.

Apprentice School Aims to 'Supercharge' Tech Talent
A new school in Indianapolis is focusing on apprenticeship as a way to skill-up the next generation the tech work force. Kenzie Academy, which is located at the Speakeasy Downtown, provides training with an emphasis on networking and job experience through paid projects as a consultant for employers.

Bedel: 'The Road To Mars Goes Through Indiana'
Representatives from the state joined members from the NASA Space Launch System (SLS), Orion and Ground Systems programs to celebrate Indiana's aerospace and defense industry.Executive Director of the Indiana Aerospace and Defense Council Ryan Metzing says there are more than a dozen small to medium-sized companies located in Indiana that are playing a significant role in America’s future in deep space.

'Sports Legends' to Be Immortalized
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis has announced who will be honored in a series of 16 bronze statues to be part of the $35 million Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience. They include modern stars, such as the Pacers' Reggie Miller and the Fever's Tamika Catchings, as well as big names from Indiana's past such as NBA Hall of Famer Bobby "Slick" Leonard and members of the Indianapolis Clowns Negro American League baseball team.

Tech Event Brings 'Eureka!' Moments to Students
Days after astronaut Mae Jemison told the Indy Women in Tech Summit that young students need hands-on STEM education, around 1,000 fifth and sixth graders are getting that opportunity this week as part of The Eureka! Exchange at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

One Southern Indiana Adds Director of Talent
One Southern Indiana hired a new director of talent earlier this year to focus on growing the Hoosier work force. Paul Holba shares what he hopes to accomplish, and why talent is such a big issue in the six counties that make up the Region Ten Workforce Council.

State Debuts Initiative Targeting Skills Gap
The newest cabinet member of the Eric Holcomb administration spent her first day with the governor in Clay County helping to launch an initiative focused on linking Hoosiers to higher-paying and higher-demand jobs. Former La Porte Mayor Blair Milo, who now serves as secretary of career connections and talent, says the Next Level Jobs initiative includes "two more tools in our toolbox" to help Hoosiers be successful in their careers.

Program Promoting Tech in Ag
Indiana organizers and participants in the National Football League and American Dairy Association's "Fuel Up to Play 60" program say the benefits go beyond health. Abby Evans, a student who helped bring the program to Brownsburg High School, says a trip to a dairy farm as part of a national student summit opened her eyes to new options for a career in ag.

Event Looks to Help Avoid 'Crippling' Loans
Federal student loan interest rates are set to increase next week, and an Indiana nonprofit is looking to help students navigate the loan process. InvestEd Chief Executive Officer Joe Wood says rates for undergraduates will increase from 3.76 percent to 4.45 percent, resulting in average payments of about $10 more per month, or $1,100 over the life of a loan.

Ivy Tech Unveils Organizational Transition
Ivy Tech is undergoing a major statewide makeover. The college will no longer operate on a regional basis, but instead as 19 self-sustaining campuses, each with their own chancellors. Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann and COO Andy Bowne weigh-in on the new structure.

Purdue, WestGate, Crane Joining Forces
Purdue University and the Purdue Research Foundation are joining forces with WestGate Authority and Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division on R&D and technology commercialization efforts throughout Indiana and beyond. As part of the agreement, Purdue will provide programming, intellectual property support and entrepreneurial services for WestGate tenants. The school says it is also exploring partnership opportunities with Indiana University at WestGate.

Autonomous Racing Series Sprouts From Indiana Connection
An all-electric, autonomous racing division with strong connections to Indiana has been launched at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Purdue University is teaming up with Columbus-based LHP Engineering Solutions and Bolton University in England to add the division to its existing evGrand Prix program. The series will begin in May of 2018 and include vehicles controlled remotely, blending the disciplines of mechanical and electrical engineering with information technology.

Mira Awards: Tech Educator of the Year
Twenty years ago, an Indiana math teacher added an experimental computer science class into her course lineup. Today that footprint extends to the K-8 system and four levels of instruction at Hamilton Southeastern High School. Julie Alano is this year’s Tech Educator of the Year.

Small, Private Businesses Focus of New Center
Butler University is launching the Old National Bank Center for Closely Held Business. The center, supported with $5 million from Evansville-based Old National Bancorp (Nasdaq: ONB), will serve as a resource to an economic segment that Butler says employs more than 2.5 million throughout the state. Assistance for the small, private business community will include opportunities for training, education, mentoring and networking.