Horizon Education Alliance
Project Title
For core support to CareerWise Elkhart County
Date
Jun. 06, 2024
Duration
15 months
Description
Horizon Education Alliance (HEA), founded in 2012, focuses on enhancing educational attainment and economic stability in Elkhart County. HEA promotes collaboration between education and business sectors, particularly through the CareerWise Elkhart County (CWEC) apprenticeship model launched in 2019. CWEC, inspired by European apprenticeship models, facilitates meaningful workforce training for high school students, allowing them to earn college credit, industry-recognized certifications, and wages while completing their high school degree. Innovators like Baugo Community Schools (BCS), Hoosier Crane, and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney have played key roles in shaping and expanding the apprenticeship program. BCS, an early innovator, serves as both an employer and a school district, addressing transportation barriers and establishing a talent pipeline. Hoosier Crane and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office support cohort models, fostering peer learning and meaningful opportunities for apprentices. The apprenticeship model prioritizes strong relationships, emphasizing social capital development and positive outcomes for both youth and employers. While the program has yielded success stories and high satisfaction among participants, HEA acknowledges the need for a careful expansion approach, recognizing the uniqueness of each apprenticeship and the time required to establish effective relationships with employers, particularly in small and mid-sized businesses. The commitment of employers to multiple apprenticeships and the involvement of school districts contribute significantly to the successful expansion of the apprenticeship model in the community.