Indianapolis, Indiana – The Strada Education Foundation has released its 2025 State Opportunity Index (SOI), shining a spotlight on the critical role that education and workforce development play in creating opportunities across the United States. For Indiana, the report underscores ongoing efforts to connect students, educators, and employers in meaningful ways, while also pointing to areas where the state can continue to build momentum.
The Indiana Chamber expressed gratitude to Strada for the recognition and for emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in advancing opportunity. “We are especially appreciative that Strada highlighted the EARN (Employment Aid Readiness Network) program — an acknowledgment of Indiana’s continued leadership in work-based learning and employer engagement,” the Chamber said.
The EARN program is designed to provide students with paid, hands-on experiences in high-demand career fields while helping employers cultivate a reliable talent pipeline. Through coordinated partnerships among educators, employers, and state leaders, the program connects thousands of students with internships and other experiential learning opportunities each year. This model demonstrates how work-based learning can bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world career preparation.
Indiana’s approach aligns with broader efforts to ensure that education leads directly to sustainable, high-wage employment. “Strengthening employer alignment is essential to ensure that degrees translate into sustainable, high-wage employment,” the Chamber noted. Collaboration among workforce leaders, state officials, educators, and employers remains a central focus in helping students gain the skills they need while also supporting Indiana’s businesses with qualified talent.
The State Opportunity Index also reinforces the need for continued work in several key areas. Reducing financial barriers for students, expanding access to work-based learning, and promoting high-value credentials are critical priorities for the state. The Indiana Chamber emphasized that these initiatives are closely connected to the strategic goals outlined in its Indiana Prosperity 2035 plan, which aims to create a stronger, more inclusive economy by equipping workers with the training and credentials needed for in-demand careers.
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“These findings within the State Opportunity Index are both a reflection and a call to action,” the Chamber said. Indiana’s recognition in the report is a testament to the state’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and innovation in workforce development. Moving forward, the Chamber stated its dedication to deepening partnerships that ensure students acquire the necessary skills and credentials to succeed, while also allowing businesses to fully participate in the state’s growing economy.
By highlighting programs like EARN and the broader framework of work-based learning in Indiana, the State Opportunity Index provides a clear example of how public-private collaboration can drive meaningful change. For policymakers, educators, employers, and students alike, the report serves as both an acknowledgment of progress and a roadmap for continued improvement in building opportunity across the state.
