Ascend Indiana launches statewide initiative to expand student-led businesses ahead of 2029 high school diploma requirements
April 14, 2026 (INDIANAPOLIS) - Ascend Indiana, the talent and workforce development initiative of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), has launched a new initiative to support student-led businesses, defined as real or simulated enterprises that are designed, managed and operated primarily by students. Student-led businesses generally fall into three categories – school-based enterprise, workplace simulation and student entrepreneurial experience – and meet the state of Indiana’s approved work-based learning requirements for new diploma seals legislated for high school students beginning with the class of 2029. Ascend’s student-led business initiative is backed by new research demonstrating the value of student-led businesses as scalable, high-impact work-based learning opportunities, especially in under-resourced communities. “At Ascend, we believe the most effective way to prepare students for the workforce is simple: give them the opportunity to do real work. That’s why we [...]
Ascend Indiana Launches Regional Work-Based Learning Support Network and Resource Hub
Ascend Indiana, the talent and workforce development initiative of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), announced today a statewide initiative to support Indiana schools and employers in developing and implementing high-quality work-based learning experiences for high school students. In partnership with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), Ascend developed and launched a comprehensive set of resources that provides step-by-step guidance, examples and design considerations aligned with Indiana’s updated high school graduation requirements. Ascend has also established and equipped a network of regional partners that will coordinate, expand and enable high-quality WBL across the state. As Indiana’s statewide workforce initiative, Ascend developed these work-based learning resources and accompanying network in response to the state’s high school diploma redesign, which requires students graduating with a readiness seal to have completed sustained WBL experiences aligned to career pathways. “Beginning with the [...]
