Keeping Talent in Indiana
Originally formed as Indiana INTERNnet in 2001, Work and Learn Indiana was the solution to a series of Indiana Chamber-led studies that demonstrated the state’s “brain drain” issue. The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce initiated and operated the program in partnership with the University of Indianapolis. With continued funding from the Lilly Endowment, the organization was granted 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in May 2004 and moved to the Indiana Chamber, the state’s largest business advocacy organization, where it rebranded to Work and Learn Indiana in 2021.
Employer Funding Incentives
Work and Learn Indiana’s partnership with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education provides employers an opportunity to receive up to 50% of their interns’ wages from the state if they hire Employment Aid Readiness Network (EARN) Indiana-eligible students.
It is designed to provide financial assistance to employers who provide paid internships for qualified Hoosier students currently enrolled in a post-secondary education program and/or students attending an Indiana secondary school.
EARN Indiana Internship Eligibility Criteria
To receive matching funds, certain minimum criteria must be met:
- Internship must provide experiential learning
- Intern must be paid an hourly wage
- Internship must be at least eight weeks
- Intern must work 12 to 20 hours a week during academic year, August 16-April 26 (12 to 40 hours during summer April 27-August 15)
- Intern activities may not be political or sectarian
- No more than 25% of intern’s work can be administrative in nature
- No more than 50% of your workforce may be interns
- Federal Work-Study program funds or other grants may not be received for the internship position
High School EARN Industry Requirements
High school experiences must follow all above criteria, and in addition, the intern’s activities must align with one of the industries listed below:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Building and Construction
- Health and Life Sciences
- IT and Business Services
- Transportation and Logistics
- Agriculture
- Education
Additional Work-Based Learning Resources
Not sure where to start with developing a work-based learning experience, or looking to scale your program? Work and Learn Indiana hosts workshops to help employers, educators and workforce leaders navigate the complex work-based learning landscape. Check out the WLI Resource Hub.
