Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation

EmployIndy, the Workforce Investment Board for Marion County, Indiana, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and operator of the one-stop system in Marion County. Since 1983, EmployIndy has administered hundreds of millions of dollars in federal, state, local, and private funds to support workforce development initiatives for diverse populations. Securing over 20 government and private grants in recent years to augment its one-stop services, EmployIndy has an annual budget of more than $17 million. It successfully provides fiscal management, monitoring, data collection, and reporting for all funding sources; oversees contracts with more than 30 providers who deliver services to approximately 550 businesses and 2,500 people annually; and assists more than 40,000 Indianapolis residents each year through its network of one-stop centers and special initiatives.

The Ascend Network enhances algorithmic connections with human expertise.Ascend Indiana is a catalyst across industry sectors to help connect the supply of skilled talent to demand from employers through proven, scalable programs and innovative solutions. When fields face talent shortages, employers are left with insufficient pipelines. Ascend’s strategic consulting services help high-growth companies identify, evaluate, and secure education partners to build a custom talent pipeline. The right candidate may exist, but talented people and appealing employers aren’t connecting. Direct interaction with their team, combined with their Network, enables swift, personal connections. Ascend bridges divides and fills talent gaps with their Network and Services.

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is the largest public postsecondary institution in the state and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, with 30 campuses across 14 regions. It serves nearly 200,000 students each year, providing affordable associate degrees and certificates in various fields, including health, technology, business, and public service. Ivy Tech is dedicated to workforce development, offering degree programs and training that align with local community needs. The college also facilitates the transfer of credits to other colleges and universities in Indiana, enabling students to pursue their educational and career goals effectively. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Ivy Tech plays a vital role in enhancing access to higher education and fostering economic growth in the region.

BioCrossroads, established in 2002, is an Indiana-based organization dedicated to advancing the state's life sciences industry. It facilitates growth by fostering collaborations among corporate, academic, and philanthropic partners, investing in promising early-stage startups, and supporting enterprise development. Additionally, BioCrossroads educates through conferences, reports, and market development knowledge, aiming to improve global patient health and boost Indiana's economic growth.