Bridging the Gap: Pathways to Possibilities Strengthens Workforce Development Support for Porter County 

PORTAGE, IN — When families and educators are connected to the right resources, students gain more than information—they gain opportunity. That belief is at the heart of Bridging the Gap: Pathways to Possibilities, a local initiative led by the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) through READY NWI to strengthen connections among schools, families, and community partners.  Bridging the Gap was…

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Announcing Local Partnership for Elston Opportunity Hub 

New MCAS and NWI Works Partnership Advances a Shared Vision for Education, Workforce, and Community Impact in Michigan City  MICHIGAN CITY, IN — The Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) school board recently announced the repurposing of the former Elston High School into the new “Elston Opportunity Hub.” This transformation is the result of a partnership between the MCAS school…

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NWI Students Get Hands on with the Skilled Trades

The Times of Northwest Indiana -11/19/2025 VALPARAISO — Over 1,000 students from across Northwest Indiana were able to get sneak peeks into skilled trade careers on Tuesday. The Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) and the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) held their 3rd Annual Porter County Construction and Skilled Trades Day at the Porter County Expo…

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Youth Invited to 3rd Annual Porter County Event to Explore Apprenticeships and Skilled Trades

Event Welcomes High School Students, Recent Graduates, and Young Adults to Explore Careers in the Trades VALPARAISO, IN — The Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) and the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) are making final preparations for the 3rd Annual Porter County Construction & Skilled Trades Day on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Porter County…

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CWI, CAF Announce 2025 Construction & Skilled Trades Days 

Hands-On Career Exploration Events Return to Lake and Porter Counties  CROWN POINT, IN — The Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI), in partnership with the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF), is proud to announce the dates for the 2025 Construction & Skilled Trades Days. The 9th Annual Lake County Construction & Skilled Trades Day will take place…

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Advancing Worker Mobility: CWI Empowers Youth and Adults to Overcome Barriers and Build Career Pathways

GARY, Ind. — Worker mobility is more than transitioning from one job to another—it’s about empowering individuals to move forward along career pathways that increase their skills, earnings, and long-term stability. At the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI), we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and make a meaningful contribution to…

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CWI Celebrates Workforce Development Month by Showcasing Industry-Driven Strategies: Spotlight on Work B.I.G. 

GARY, Ind. — In celebration of the 20th Annual Workforce Development Month, the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) is proud to spotlight the growing success of Work B.I.G. (Beauty In Gary). This two-year, industry-driven workforce development initiative is transforming lives and neighborhoods across the City of Gary.  The project was initiated by Mayor Eddie Melton…

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CWI Partnership with Portage Township Trustee Makes Space for a More Accessible WorkOne Location 

Portage, IN – The Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) is proud to announce a dynamic partnership with Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy, which has led to the opening of a newly established WorkOne Northwest Indiana location inside the Portage Township Trustee’s Resource Center.  This milestone will be celebrated with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony…

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CWI Highlights First-Year Success of Career Readiness Program

Building Indiana Business – 07/02/2025 The Center of Workforce Innovations announced the early achievements of Bridging the Gap to Student Success, a transformative program helping high school students across Northwest Indiana prepare for meaningful careers. Powered by CWI’s READY NWI initiative and supported by a $1 million grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education,…

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