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Collaborating with business, education, and community partners to increase educational success for all learners, aligned with high-quality jobs in Columbus and Southeast Indiana. | |
Community Education Coalition Update | |
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Hello Anissa,
We’re excited to be back with another good news update! See how we're working with partners at local, state, and national levels to secure a future where lifelong learning and prosperity are attainable for all. Remember to scroll to the bottom for a roundup of more local and national news and resources. If you're not a subscriber, sign up here.
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THE BRIDGE
Strengthening Pathways to Good Jobs Through Higher Education
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Through collaboration, we help students build the foundation for meaningful careers and fulfilling lives. Each course, connection, and opportunity in a student's journey shapes not just their academic growth, but their ability to thrive in an evolving world.
That’s why we created The Bridge, a vibrant student hub on the AirPark Columbus College Campus. In addition to offering study spaces, The Bridge connects students to career services, mentorship opportunities, and real-world learning experiences. By fostering direct connections between education and workforce development, The Bridge is transforming student success stories into a thriving regional economy.
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How Derek Landed Three Career-Focused Internships
From his first semester, Derek Heideman, a Business Finance student at IU Columbus on the AirPark Campus, saw The Bridge as more than a place to study—it was a launchpad for his future. He accessed career coaching, fine-tuned his resume, and proactively sought internships.
The result? Three career-focused internships with regional employers providing Derek with real-world skills, expanding his professional network, and setting him up for post-graduate success.
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TALENT ALERT
Coming Soon: Spring Internship and Career Fair
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Employers, students, and educators—this is for you!
We’re excited to host our 2025 Spring Internship & Career Fair in collaboration with Ivy Tech, IU Columbus, and Purdue Polytechnic Columbus. This event will connect regional employers with students eager to apply their skills in high-growth industries like advanced manufacturing, business, and technology.
Date: Stay Tuned!
Location: AirPark Columbus College Campus
Follow us on Instagram for updates: @AirParkColumbus
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EARLY LEARNING COALITION
Early Learning: The Foundation of a Strong Workforce
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Research consistently shows that early childhood education is an economic imperative—strong early learning experiences lay the foundation for a skilled workforce. That’s why the CEC’s Early Learning Manager, Christine Waters, is working to promote increased investment in early education: | | |
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Indiana Early Childhood Day Pushes for Stronger Policies
On February 11th, Christine Waters joined educators and policymakers in a recent gathering at the Indiana Statehouse to promote policies supporting early learning as essential infrastructure. The event, organized by the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (INAEYC) and the Early Education Works Coalition in partnership with out-of-school time care providers, brought together community leaders and parents from across Indiana to call for stronger early childhood education policies and workforce support. Participants focused on raising awareness about the critical importance of early learning programs and their impact on Indiana families.
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CEC Early Learning Manager Co-Creates New "Hoosier Milestones" Statewide Alliance
Hoosier Milestones is an initiative that works to promote policies supporting the availability and quality of early care and education for every Indiana resident, aligning county efforts across the state to create momentum. ⚠️ Indiana House Budget Falls Short on Child Care: Thousands of Families at Risk. Learn more.
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CEC Early Learning Manager Joins Leadership Bartholomew County Panel
In an enlightening panel hosted by Leadership Bartholomew County, CEC Early Learning Manager, Christine Waters, joined community leaders to discuss emerging education challenges and leadership strategies for the future.
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Coming Soon: "Small Starts, Big Impact" Episode 3
This episode will feature Ebunoluwa Okuleye-Ash, Pre-K Teacher of the Year at BCSC's Richard Johnson Early Education Center. Get a unique glimpse into one of our local classrooms and see the profound impact these programs have on our community and future. Replay Episode 2 now.
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Stay Informed: More News and Resources | |
Stay Connected with Us
Community Education Coalition | AirPark Columbus College Campus | CivicLab
About Community Education Coalition (CEC)
CEC was founded in 1997 by a dedicated group of changemakers united by a shared goal: to foster economic growth and enhance community well-being through the Southeast Indiana learning system. 27 years later, the CEC has grown into a nationally-recognized catalyst for economic development through a robust civic process, serving business, education, and the community partners to increase educational success for all learners, aligned with high-quality jobs in Columbus and Southeast Indiana.
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