Preparing the Next Generation for Success

Indy Chamber News Archives

Warren Central High School on the east side of Indianapolis is taking big steps to ensure students are set up for lifelong success by preparing them with critical job skills and connecting them to future employers so they can enter the workforce with a meaningful career.

Earlier this month, Warren hosted a Resource Fair aimed at graduating seniors, including college-bound students and those not attending college who will be entering the workforce directly after high school. At the Resource Fair, a panel of speakers offered interview tips, discussed the importance of appropriate attire, and shared community connections that offer resume help, career counseling, and can connect employers to job seekers. Later, students interviewed with employers including FedEx, Community Hospital, Cracker Barrel, Marriott Hotels, and Oasis.

“While students decide what they want to do after graduation, we want to give them meaningful opportunities to work and give them the skills they need to apply for employment,” said Dr. Dena Cushenberry, Superintendent of Warren Township.

To help connect students with future employers and give students the skills they need for a career, Warren is taking advantage of the Walker Career Center, the career center for Warren Central, New Palestine High School, Greenfield Central High School, and Mount Vernon High School. Walker offers students 20 programs that serve both students who choose to go directly into the workforce and students who choose to go on to a two or four year college program. Their programs, including welding, dental, HVAC, cosmetology, and a CNA program, offer certifications and dual college credit from a number of colleges and universities.

“Our goal is to support Dr. Cushenberry in her efforts to work with the east side of Indianapolis, giving students opportunities to work after graduation. The Walker Career Center is the first step towards education, jobs, community involvement, and service,” says Nancy Campbell, Assistant Director at the Walker Career Center.

Also present at the Resource Fair, WorkOne Indy plays an important role in helping people enter the workforce by providing workshops, education, on-the-job training, and more. WorkOne helps job seekers find careers that fit their interests and goals. Working with a career advisor, job seekers have important resources they need to access training in their chosen career. Serving Marion County only, EmployIndy connects employers and job seekers though a results-orientated training and employment system that identifies current needs and future trends of the local economy.

Armed with the resources that Warren and the community provides, graduating students have the tools they need to start a successful career. Speaking directly to Warren’s seniors, Karen Lightbourne, Community Advocate for the City of Indianapolis, said: “Always be open to an opportunity to try something new. Employers on the east side always say, ‘We need people, we have jobs!’ Take advantage of community programs designed to train and connect you to jobs.”