More partners join foundations to add a WBL focus on education and employer partnerships
FORT WAYNE, IND. (Sept. 15, 2026) — Taking place on Nov. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to noon, the Regional Education & Work-Based Learning Summit returns to Fort Wayne’s Mirro Convention and Event Center; the half-day conference will focus on strengthening educational attainment, workforce readiness, and regional talent development. Individuals may register HERE.
Hosted by the Don Wood Foundation and Questa Education Foundation, this year's organizers welcome two new strategic partners: Region 8 Education Service Center and Grow Allen. The Region 8 Education Service Center’s expertise in education leadership, employer engagement, and statewide support will help deepen the region's efforts to connect career exploration and learning to earning opportunities. Grow Allen has the backing of Greater Fort Wayne INC, which inherently builds relationships with many employers and facilitates connections between them and area high schools.
Building on three years of regional collaboration, the Summit will showcase progress through the Learn More Earn More initiative (formerly CAPET, or the Coalition for Advancing Postsecondary Education and Training) and provide practical strategies to advance educational attainment and workforce development across northeast Indiana. Additionally, Region 8 and Grow Allen are partnering to offer meaningful opportunities and ideas around work-based learning. Seasoned leaders are poised to share practical information for employers, educators, and others through breakout sessions after the main plenary event.
"We’re thrilled to add both Region 8 and Grow Allen’s expertise to this ongoing conversation around work-based learning," said Laura Macknick, president and CEO of the Don Wood Foundation. "Over the past three years, we've built strong partnerships, established common goals, and created momentum around helping more people access education and training that lead to meaningful careers. The work ahead requires all of us, and this event is an opportunity to learn from one another and accelerate progress."
Attendees can participate in three breakout sessions from two learning tracks:
1. Learn More Earn More Track
Postsecondary attainment and credential completion
Learner supports and navigation
Regional data, strategy, and educational outcomes
2. Work-Based Learning Track
Employer engagement and partnership models
Career-connected learning experiences
Expanding student access to work-based learning opportunities
The breakout structure is designed to give participants practical tools, promising practices, and regional examples they can apply within their own organizations and communities.
"The challenges facing our learners and workforce are interconnected, which is why regional solutions matter," said Dr. Elizabeth Bushnell, president of Questa Education Foundation. "Building the Questa Compass allows many organizations to contribute by sharing information about services they already provide to learners. The directory is growing more valuable as more organizations add their support offerings in this one easy portal. From scholarships to transportation, we can help.”
Region 8 Education and Training Center joins this year's event as a presenting partner, reflecting the increasing emphasis on work-based learning for high school graduates and strengthening connections between education, employers, workforce systems, and state resources.
"Region 8 is honored to join this partnership and contribute our experience supporting educators, schools, and employer collaborations throughout northeast Indiana," said Dr. Josh Wenning, executive director of Region 8 Education Service Center. "Work-based learning represents one of the most powerful strategies for helping students understand career opportunities while building the skills and experiences employers need. We’re well-positioned to connect employers with their surrounding public schools. By working together, we can create more seamless pathways for students entering the workforce."
"The collaboration between the event organizers sets a new standard in Allen County and has the potential to influence our education community and area employers for meaningful student experiences in area workplaces for years to come,” said Park Ginder, executive director, Grow Allen, with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “I’m eager to help students flourish, and employers establish relationships that will yield their future workforce.”
The Regional Education & Work-Based Learning Summit is designed for educators, employers, workforce development professionals, economic development leaders, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic partners, elected officials, and community stakeholders from across northeast Indiana. Breakfast and registration begin at 7:30 a.m.; the event starts at 8 a.m. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 23; seating is limited.
About Learn More Earn More
Learn More Earn More is a regional coalition effort focused on increasing educational attainment and workforce readiness across northeast Indiana. Building on recommendations developed through the Coalition for Advancing Postsecondary Education and Training (CAPET), the initiative brings together partners from education, workforce development, philanthropy, business, and community organizations to help more residents access education, training, and career opportunities. Learn more at learnmoreearnmore.org.
About the Don Wood Foundation
The Don Wood Foundation is a private foundation established in 2018 by Don Wood, founder of 80/20, Inc., with a mission to radically lead the development and growth of the Next-Gen Manufacturing Workforce in Northeast Indiana. The Foundation awards grants to nonprofits and educational institutions, conducts community research, amplifies stories of grant partners, and convenes dialogue to build a future-ready talent ecosystem for the manufacturing sector. Visit Don Wood Foundation at donwoodfoundation.org for more information. Be informed and follow the Don Wood Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Questa Education Foundation
Since 1937, Questa Education Foundation has been helping individuals access postsecondary education, graduate with less debt, and become contributing members of northeast Indiana’s workforce. Through financial resources and innovative tools like the Questa Compass, Questa supports learners at every stage of their educational journey. Learn more at questafoundation.org.
About Region 8 Education Service Center
Region 8 ESC strives to:
• Offer educational services which can be provided more effectively and efficiently on a cooperative
basis than on an individual basis.
• Supplement educational services available in the local school districts.
• Support activities provided within the local school districts.
• Better equalize educational opportunities and costs for all students.
• Provide a single voice on education-related issues for all northeast Indiana schools.
The Region 8 ESC Geographic Service Area includes 15 counties in northeast Indiana: Adams, Allen, Blackford, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Kosciusko, Madison, Noble, North Miami, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties. Learn more online at r8esc.k12.in.us.
About Grow Allen, powered by Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Grow Allen is a program of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. that focuses on talent retention. Grow Allen provides collaboration, connection, and coordinated resources to high schools and industry partners in Allen County, with the goal of enhancing preparation for all students after graduation. For more information, email Park Ginder at pginder@greaterfortwayneinc.com or visit greaterfortwayneinc.com/talent-retention/grow-allen/.