Crossroads/CWI Breakfast with Dr. Katie Jenner

Crossroads Chamber, in partnership with the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI), invites business leaders, educators, and community stakeholders to a special Chamber Breakfast with Indiana’s first Secretary of Education, Dr. Katie Jenner. This important discussion will center on sweeping changes to Indiana’s high school graduation requirements and their direct impact on the Northwest Indiana workforce.

“This isn’t just an education conversation—it’s a workforce conversation,” said Deann Patena, President and CEO of Crossroads. “Our local employers need to understand how these changes will shape their future workforce and how they can be part of the solution.”

The event will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority, with Purdue Federal Credit Union serving as the main event sponsor. Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. for registration, networking, and a breakfast buffet. Dr. Jenner’s presentation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until 10:00 a.m.

“This event offers employers a front-row seat to the state’s evolving education strategy and its direct impact on workforce readiness,” said Nicole Rodriquez, Director of the Center for Workforce Innovations’ READY NWI. “It’s an ideal setting to foster meaningful collaboration between business and education leaders, driving innovation and economic growth.”

Starting with the Class of 2029, Indiana will adopt a redesigned diploma structure with two distinct tracks. The GPS Diploma builds on the current Core 40 framework while integrating graduation pathways introduced in recent years. The GPS Diploma Plus places greater emphasis on work-based learning and requires students to complete at least 75 hours of real-world work experience before graduating. Students will begin building toward their chosen diploma as early as middle school, starting with foundational credits in grades nine and ten before selecting their path in the later years of high school.

“At Purdue Federal, we believe financial literacy is a lifelong skill that should start in the classroom,” said Lindsey Kilty, Community Relations Specialist of Purdue Federal Credit Union. “When students understand money management at an early age, they are better equipped to build bright futures and contribute to financially healthy communities.”

Both tracks require students to demonstrate career readiness through work-, project-, or service-based learning experiences. These experiences are designed to develop essential employability skills such as mindset, social-emotional learning, and work ethic. The GPS Diploma Plus further strengthens this focus by mandating extensive experiential work opportunities.

The Crossroads Chamber’s Work Ready Committee is committed to bridging the gap between education and the workforce in Northwest Indiana. These changes to Indiana’s graduation requirements present an opportunity—and a responsibility—for employers to take an active role in preparing students for successful careers. Local businesses are encouraged to attend the breakfast to learn how they can partner with schools, offer internships and mentorships, and play a vital role in shaping the next generation of skilled workers.

For more information about the breakfast, visit crossroadschamber.com

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