What is ?

Economic Opportunities through Education by 2015 (EcO15) is focused on education and careers associated with Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Hospitality/Tourism for 10 counties in Southeastern Indiana. Counties include: Bartholomew, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland.

Our Vision:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Hospitality/Tourism

Educational and Professional Goals for Southeast Indiana:

Since its inception, the goals of EcO15 in the ten-county Southeast Indiana region have been to:

1. Help each person move up at least one level from an education or career standpoint
2. Create educational pathways leading to careers in industry sectors that drive the economy (advanced manufacturing in particular)
3. Increase regional leadership focused on developing a learning system that will strengthen the economy through a better educated citizenry and workforce

A substantial portion of the EcO15 grant has been dedicated towards developing a network of advanced manufacturing integrated technology labs and associated programs at secondary and post-secondary education sites located throughout the ten counties. The integrated technology labs provide students with the opportunity to pursue education built around a curriculum of science, technology, engineering and math.

In addition, EcO15 has made major strides in the development of a regional learning system through accelerating the use of project-based learning methods and programs. School-based programs related to advanced manufacturing, such as Project Lead The Way, Dream It. Do It., Project-Based Learning Academy, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education are the most recognizable programs throughout the region that we will continue to build upon.