WARSAW — In partnership with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the Indiana Department of Education announced the participating schools in the Indiana Career Explorer Pilot Program. Lakeview Middle School was chosen as one of the 16 schools.

The ICE Pilot Program will evaluate and enhance critical college and career readiness through in-classroom instruction in the eighth grade to help students explore in-demand jobs, assess current skills, explore possible career pathways and develop an education and training plan to achieve future goals – utilizing an engaging online application.

“The earlier we work with students and prepare them for life beyond high school, the more successful they will be upon graduation,” said Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction. “The Indiana Career Explorer program is a great way to introduce students to thinking about their future, and I am thankful for the collaboration provided by the Department of Workforce Development to help make this possible. I am also grateful to the participating schools whose students will benefit greatly from their commitment to this important program.”

“Indiana Career Explorer is centered on the student’s experience and for students and their families, with the critical support of educators, to begin thinking about careers they will want to pursue,” said DWD Commissioner Steve Braun. “We are very excited about this pilot program, the role Indiana Career Explorer will play in the pilot, and what we in turn will learn from the participating schools as we know it will take career exploration to the next level in Indiana. Our commitment to building and strengthening the workforce in Indiana starts with a solid K-12 educational foundation, and our partnership with DOE on this initiative and other programs is vital to preparing Hoosiers to be successful in the marketplace.”

Created by the 2017 Indiana General Assembly, Senate Enrolled Act 198 allows for the implementation of a pilot program whereby selected schools shall include in the school’s curriculum a course for all students in grade 8 that includes instruction in and use of the ICE program and curriculum. The courses will commence in the spring semester at the participating schools.