(Versailles, IN) – The Southeast Career Center (SCC) received $3 million through the State of Indiana’s READI 2.0 to support a major modernization of its facility in Versailles and strengthen career and technical education opportunities for students throughout Southeastern Indiana.
The project was approved through SEI READI, the regional development entity representing Ripley, Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Switzerland, and Union counties.
The investment will help SCC update aging infrastructure, improve instructional spaces and expand its provision of hands-on training for students throughout the region.
Officials say modernizing the facility will allow the Career Center to continue providing students with real-world technical experience while preparing a stronger workforce of skilled workers for high-demand industries across the region.
SCC has served Southeastern Indiana since 1966 and is a key component of the region’s workforce development system.
Each year, approximately 400 students earn credentials and certificates through programs spanning construction, manufacturing, healthcare, culinary arts, cosmetology, media, public safety, transportation and technology.
The Career Center serves students from communities both within and beyond the SEI READI region, including Batesville, East Central, Jac-Cen-Del, Jennings County, Lawrenceburg, Milan, Rising Sun, South Dearborn, South Ripley, Southwestern, and Switzerland County high schools.
“The $3 million READI 2.0 grant is a tremendous investment in the future of SCC and the students and communities we serve,” said SCC Director Tracy Bear. “This funding will allow us to
strengthen and expand career and technical education opportunities, ensuring our students have access to high-quality training that prepares them for the workforce needs of our region.”
Barry Lauber is an SEI READI board member representing Ripley County, and says the Career Center has been a cornerstone for Southeastern Indiana high school students to learn trade skills and get hands-0n training in a field of their choice, which prepares them to enter the workforce upon graduation.
“The READI 2.0 grant being awarded to SCC not only helps with upgrades and improvements to the existing facility, but it’s also a way to acknowledge and say ‘thank you’ to the many administrators, teachers, and the business partners in our region who have invested time and resources over the years to provide this unique educational opportunity to hundreds of students,” Lauber said.
“We celebrate with the SCC as they strengthen their region’s workforce development infrastructure and offerings. This is an important investment in the people and quality of life in Southeastern Indiana, and we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Vice President, Regional Development for Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) Jim Rawlinson.
