Lakeland School Corporation

In an extraordinary milestone for LaGrange County schools and workforce development, Lakeland School Corporation has been awarded a fully funded grant of $854,252 from the Don Wood Foundation to establish a county-wide "Learn to Work" program. The program, launching in August 2026, will serve juniors and seniors from Lakeland, Westview, and Prairie Heights, creating an unprecedented opportunity to bridge the gap between education and high-demand careers in the manufacturing sector.

The Learn to Work program will be anchored in a newly renovated space at Lakeland Intermediate School, utilizing the former shop room to house state-of-the-art equipment and classroom instruction. The program will specialize in manufacturing, with a targeted emphasis on electrical maintenance—a skill set critical to local and regional employers.

“This initiative has been more than a year in the making,” said the Superintendent of Lakeland Schools, Dr. Traci Blaize. “Thanks to the initial support of Shannon Harman from the Northern Indiana Educational Service Center (NIESC), and the vision of our Lead CTE Instructor, Cara Young, we are now bringing a transformational opportunity to our students and our county.”

The grant funds will be disbursed in a single lump sum, covering the entire renovation, purchase of industry-grade equipment valued at around $303,000, and the salary of a certified instructor for the first year.

“This is a game-changer for our students and our community,” said Cara Young, Lakeland's Lead CTE Instructor. “Through this program, students will gain meaningful, hands-on training that opens doors to high-demand careers and strengthens the local workforce. It's exciting to know that our schools are leading the way in building career pathways that truly matter.”

The Learn to Work initiative also involves deep partnerships with local industry leaders, who will support the program with resources, guidance, and potential internships or employment pathways, ensuring students graduate with both credentials and experience.

This landmark investment is a win not only for students but also for the entire LaGrange County community, as it ensures that education, economic development, and workforce readiness are aligned.

By connecting education, industry, and community stakeholders, the Learn to Work Program not only addresses immediate workforce challenges but also builds a sustainable foundation for Indiana’s future prosperity. Alisa Deck with Purdue’s IN-MaC served as the consultant for developing this pathway, bringing expertise in aligning education with industry needs.

Local manufacturers, including NISCO and Exo-S, have stepped forward as industry partners, committing to support the program with resources, insights, and opportunities for students. The LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation has been instrumental in convening this collaboration, ensuring that the effort meets both student aspirations and employer demands. This work is essential for creating opportunities for students, meeting employer needs, and driving long-term economic growth.

“This is exactly the kind of collaboration that transforms communities,” said Sherri Johnston, President/CEO of the LaGrange County EDC. “By working together—schools, industry, and community partners—we are not only preparing students for high-demand careers but also securing a stronger economic future for LaGrange County.”

“The Don Wood Foundation is proud to partner with Lakeland School Corporation to invest in LaGrange County schools as they launch a pivotal program to benefit high schoolers and area manufacturers alike,” said Laura Macknick, president and CEO, Don Wood Foundation. “We value collaboration, especially when it improves opportunities for students to explore and experience career possibilities and shines a light on potential growth for the entire county.”

About the Don Wood Foundation: The Don Wood Foundation is a private foundation established in 2018 by Don Wood, founder of 80/20, Inc., that serves and supports leadership development, an entrepreneurial mindset, and skilled workers with the potential to create and sustain opportunities in the manufacturing sector. The Foundation provides investments to grant partners from nonprofits and educational institutions, in addition to offering guidance through community research and intentional convenings. This guidance fosters a diverse workforce through exposure, education, training, and the development of strong communities that promote the advancement of the manufacturing sector. Visit the website donwoodfoundation.org for more information.