Michigan City Area Schools and NWI Works are partnering to advance a shared vision for education, workforce and community impact in Michigan City.
The Michigan City Area Schools school board recently announced the repurposing of the former Elston High School into the new Elston Opportunity Hub. The partnership between the school board and NWI Works aims to make effective use of the 320,000-square-foot facility. The City of Michigan City has supported and partially funded the startup phases of the development.
NWI Works represents regional not-for-profit institutions in Northwest Indiana. The entities include the Center of Workforce Innovations, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, United Way Northwest Indiana, Regional Care Group, CoAction and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.
NWI Works is dedicated to delivering workforce development resources to households through a network of opportunity hubs across Northwest Indiana. The collaboration focuses on preparing unemployed and underemployed residents for available job opportunities and on creating career pathways that lead to household prosperity.
“The partnership with MCAS leadership is a fortunate opportunity to extend Elston’s legacy in the community,” said Lisa Daugherty, NWI Works board of directors president, in a press release. “The central location of Elston makes it accessible for Michigan City residents to benefit from a wide range of services, all designed to prepare them for economic opportunity and a better quality of life.”
The Elston Opportunity Hub will continue to host MCAS classes for students while utilizing vacant space to offer an array of services. The Elston Opportunity Hub will offer career-readiness programs, educational workshops and hands-on training sessions. Residents will have access to job placement assistance, career counseling and resources to help them thrive in a competitive job market.
“NWI Works will, over a five-year period, infill the vacant and underutilized Elston Campus space,” Dr. Wendel McCollum, school superintendent, said. “This is a win-win solution for the Elston heritage and Michigan City families.”
