Patterson supports bill to expand work-based learning in high schools
The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation supported by State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) that would expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state. Patterson said House Bill 1002 would create Career Scholarship Accounts for Hoosier students to pay for career training, apprenticeships, certifications and internships. The legislation would also allow quality, work-based learning to count toward high school graduation requirements and create a framework for students to earn a post-secondary credential.
Career Scholarship Accounts could be used by Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors to enroll in earn-and-learn opportunities, as well as to pay for items like transportation and uniforms to remove barriers to accessing these experiences. The Indiana Department of Education would approve available courses and tracks, and accounts would be awarded $5,000 under the recently proposed House Republican budget. She said the proposed legislation could also incentivize schools and career centers to embrace more earn-and-learn partnerships. It would also task the State Board of Education with re-examining high school diploma requirements in order to provide more flexibility in a student’s schedule so they can pursue apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, work-based learning and credentials.
The legislation would also allow post-secondary scholarships, such as the Frank O’Bannon Grant and the 21st Century Scholarship, to be used for trainings provided by intermediaries, employers or a labor organization. This would provide additional opportunities for Hoosiers, who may not be interested in college, to use these funds to skill up and be prepared for the modern workforce.
House Bill 1002 is now with the Indiana Senate for further consideration. For more information about this legislation, visit iga.in.gov.
A week of remembrance celebrating African American History in Bloomington through art and storytelling
In an effort to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promote the acceptance of diversity in the community, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission is planning a week of remembrance and celebration of African American history in Bloomington through art and storytelling. This week begins on Tuesday, April 4, which marks the 55th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s tragic and untimely death. Each year, the MLK Commission remembers the terrible event that occurred on the balcony of the Memphis Lorraine Motel in 1968, where Dr. King was in support of Black sanitation workers who were on strike and demanding safer working conditions and better pay.
Remembrance Week 2023: Events & Activities
- Tuesday, April 4: A film screening of Carmen Jones, 5-7 p.m. at the Indiana University Wells Library Screening Room 048, 1320 E 10th St. Panel discussion will follow the film. Free screening; tickets required. Register at: https://bton.in/M7ejb
- Wednesday, April 5: Discussion of the 1964 book Why We Can’t Wait by Martin Luther King Jr., 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Morgenstern’s Bookstore & Café, 849 S Auto Mall Rd. Members of the community and MLK commissioners will facilitate the conversation. Kid-friendly activities such as arts and crafts centered on the values and teachings of MLK will be available—a free public event.
- Thursday, April 6: The Fairview Art Contest Awards/History Walk for Fairview students and staff, 1:45-3:15 p.m. at Fairview Elementary School. This is not a public event.
- Friday, April 7: History Center Gallery Event, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Monroe County History Center, 202 E 6th St. Artists, historians, storytellers, and the general public will join together to celebrate—a free public event.
- Saturday, April 8: Community History Walk, 2-4 p.m., presenting historians/storytellers and artwork to activate five historically significant sites on the Westside of Bloomington. The self-guided tours can start from any location listed below. Free community activity. A downloadable brochure with the walking tour map is now available at: https://bton.in/sxAJ4
For more information about Remembrance Week and details on the planned events, visit: https://bton.in/_w8W_
Guiding grieving hearts: A program of IU Health Bloomington Hospice
Saturday, June 17, 2023 x 9 am – 2:30 pm @ Indiana University Hilltop Garden and Nature Center (2367 E. 10th St., Bloomington)
For children ages 6 – 16 who have lost someone special. After the death of a loved one, kids often think…
- They won’t feel good again
- No one understands
- Parents and other adults may be distracted by their own grief and can’t help
- There is no other young person to talk to who has lost someone special
Camp Good Grief can help with these feelings, emotions and thoughts. Through art, music and play, campers will connect with others experiencing loss, learn positive coping and how to preserve memories and honor loved ones.
For more information and registration, please call 812.353.9818. Participation is free and limited to 35 campers. Registration deadline is June 2nd.
This Week in Hoosier History
1930 – Terrance Steve McQueen was born in Beech Grove, Indiana. Also known as “The King of Cool”, he acted in 45 movies, including Le Mans, The Great Escape, The Thomas Crown Affair, Bullitt and Papillion.
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