Supporting Futures in Skilled Trades at Local Schools

Some dream of their future profession at a young age. From teaching to business, they set their trail ablaze chasing that opportunity. For others, one experience alone provides clarity on their next steps. At two southern Indiana high schools, equipping students for their futures and preparing them for success is their mission - one Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is proud to support.

High school is a time of big decisions. As students approach their final years before post-secondary schooling or jumping into the professional world, having the right opportunities to provide that direction is important. Through vocation programs, schools offer students hands-on experiences to gain practical knowledge and skill for the future. Set within local communities, students can see firsthand what a job in healthcare, construction, technology and more requires.

South Spencer and Heritage Hills high schools are driven to using their vocation programs to instill valuable skills and offer a head start toward a future career. To support their efforts, I&M's Rockport Power Plant and the Insulators Union #37 out of Evansville, Ind. recently donated $10,000 to each school to further enrich and expand their vocation programs. These donations support our team's total investment in the value of our community but more importantly, provide opportunity for future generations close to home.

"The I&M Rockport Plant considers the local trades programs a major partner in our organization's success," said Robert Beller, Rockport Plant manager. "On behalf of our entire organization and the Insulators Union #37, we are honored to contribute to enriching students with understanding and training for a career in the construction field and look forward to seeing students succeed long into the future."

Located in Rockport, Ind., South Spencer High School's construction pathway classes will benefit from this donation to "polish the building of knowledge for its students." They will add new equipment for students to use to continue to grow their understanding of the construction field. In Lincoln City, Ind., Heritage Hills High School will use funds to enhance and expand its manufacturing trades course. This opportunity provides hands-on experience in the construction trade as well as valuable skills that can have a significant impact on students for years to come.

Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities from Rockport, Ind. to Bridgman, Mich. and how staff are making a difference through volunteering.