You're Invited to the Open House & Ribbon Cutting for the Learn to Work Program Classroom!
Lakeland, Westview, and Prairie Heights school districts will celebrate the start of the Learn to Work Program. This is a new partnership with local factories and community groups. Together, we are creating new chances for students. We are also helping to meet the job needs of our area. The Learn to Work Program gets students ready for jobs in manufacturing and industrial electrical maintenance. They will learn by doing. They will also work with businesses, earn college credit, and get industry-approved certificates. Students will get real-world experience. They will also learn the skills needed for jobs that are in high demand right here in LaGrange County.
We invite you to our Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. This event is for students, parents, educators, business partners, and community members. You can tour the new building. You can also explore the equipment. Meet our education and industry partners. Learn about the opportunities this program will offer students in the county.
DATE: Tuesday, July 21st, 2026
TIME: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
LOCATION: Lakeland Intermediate School, Room 604, 1055 E 075 N, LaGrange, IN
SUPPORT FROM OUR PARTNERS:
The Learn to Work program also works closely with local business leaders. These leaders will help the program with resources, advice, and chances for internships or jobs. This will make sure students graduate with both certificates and experience. This important investment is good for students and for everyone in LaGrange County. It makes sure that education, economic growth, and job readiness work together. By connecting education, businesses, and community members, the Learn to Work Program helps solve current job problems. It also builds a strong future for Indiana. Alisa Deck from Purdue's IN-MaC is helping to create this program. She has experience in matching education with what businesses need.
Local companies, including NIPSCO and Exo-S, have agreed to help with this program. They will give students resources, advice, and chances to learn. The LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation helped bring everyone together. This group makes sure the program helps students and also meets what companies need. This work is important. It creates chances for students, helps companies find workers, and leads to economic growth over time.
"This is the kind of teamwork that makes communities better," said Sherri Johnston, President/CEO of the LaGrange County EDC. "When schools, businesses, and community partners work together, we are not only getting students ready for jobs that are in high demand, but we are also making sure LaGrange County has a stronger economic future."
"The Don Wood Foundation is happy to work with Lakeland School Corporation. We are investing in schools in LaGrange County. They are starting an important program for high school students and local businesses," said Laura Macknick, president and CEO of the Don Wood Foundation. "We believe in working together. This is especially true when it helps students learn about career options. It also shows the potential for growth in the whole county."