Construction is officially underway at Lakeland Intermediate School (LIS) to create the new home for the LaGrange County Learn to Work Program. This collaborative vocational initiative is designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, providing students with hands-on training in high-demand trades.
The program is scheduled to welcome its first cohort of students in August 2026.
A Centralized Hub for Vocational Excellence
The "Learn to Work Program” is a county-wide effort, serving juniors and seniors from all three LaGrange County school corporations. By centralizing the program at LIS, the districts are providing a shared space where students can gain specialized skills without leaving the county.
The curriculum will focus heavily on Electrical Trades, featuring Industrial Electrical Maintenance and Manufacturing, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce or advanced apprenticeships upon graduation. Through the Learn to Work Program, students have the opportunity to earn up to 24 dual credits and up to four industry certifications, which is a significant value-add for families and a strong differentiator post-graduation.
Restoring a Legacy of Hands-On Learning
In a symbolic nod to the history of vocational education, the program will be housed in the original LIS shop room. For several years, this space has functioned as a maintenance and storage room for the district. The current construction will transform the area back into a high-tech learning laboratory, outfitted with modern equipment and safety infrastructure.
Foundational Support and Funding
This transformation is made possible through significant philanthropic investment totaling over $870,000. The Don Wood Foundation awarded a primary grant of $850,000 to provide the capital necessary to equip the advanced training labs.
Additionally, the LaGrange County Community Foundation contributed a $25,000 Community Impact Grant to support the program’s infrastructure and development.
“This partnership between our foundations and our schools is a game-changer for LaGrange County,” said Cara Young, Lead CTE Instructor at Lakeland. “We are building a facility that mirrors the environments our students will see in the field, thanks to the immense generosity of the Don Wood Foundation and the Community Foundation.”
Powered by Local Industry Partners
The success of the "Learn to Work Program” is built on strong ties with the local business community. Four premier local companies have stepped forward as foundational partners to help guide the curriculum and provide real-world insights:
Exo-s
Powersafe Automation
J.O. Mory
S&H Metal Products, Inc.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Exo-s, Powersafe Automation, J.O. Mory, and S&H Metal Products, Inc,” said Sherri Johnston, President and CEO of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corp. (EDC). “Their involvement ensures that our students aren't just learning from a textbook—they are learning the exact skills and safety protocols required by the leaders of our local industry.”
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
As construction progresses throughout the spring and summer, the "Learn to Work Program” represents a major investment in the youth of LaGrange County. By repurposing existing school facilities and leveraging the expertise of local business partners, the program provides a sustainable model for workforce development that benefits students, families, and the local economy.
About Purdue IN-MaC
The Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) Pathways System is a proven, employer-driven framework that aligns education, industry, and community partners to build sustainable talent pipelines. Through structured career pathways, work-based learning, and industry-validated skills, the Pathways System helps students gain academic, technical, and professional skills that lead directly to high-demand careers. For the LaGrange County Learn to Work Program, IN-MaC provides the planning, facilitation, and technical expertise to ensure the Academy is aligned to employer needs, integrated with school curriculum, and built to scale for long-term workforce impact.
“The Learn to Work Program represents what’s possible when education and industry truly align,” said Lisa Deck of Purdue IN-MaC. “This Pathways System ensures students are gaining the academic, technical, and professional skills employers need—while building a sustainable workforce pipeline for LaGrange County.”
The Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) at Purdue University enhances the talent and capabilities of Indiana’s current and future workforce. Through partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations, IN-MaC connects students to high-skill, high-wage careers that strengthen local economies and individual lives.
Learn more at: polytechnic.purdue.edu/in-mac
Information for Families
Parents of current sophomores and juniors interested in the Electrical/Industrial Maintenance pathway for the 2026-2027 school year are encouraged to reach out for more information.
Interested families should contact their respective school's guidance department:
Lakeland:
Danielle Stewart - Counselor (Grades 10th - 12th | Last Name A - L) DStewart@lakelandlakers.net
Rachel Stroop - Counselor (Grades 10th - 12th | Last Name M - Z) RStroop@lakelandlakers.net
Westview:
Eric Yordy - Counselor (Grades 10th - 12th) YordyE@westview.k12.in.us (260 - 768 - 4146)
Prairie Heights:
Elizabeth Sutton, School Counselor ESutton@ph.k12.in.us
Erica Parr, School Counselor EParr@ph.k12.in.us
Or, Program Instructor: Brant Headley at BHeadley@lakelandlakers.net