Driving Real Change.
Creating Real Opportunity.
NWI Works is transforming lives, strengthening employers, and revitalizing communities across Northwest Indiana.
Scaling to meet the need to skill Northwest Indiana’s workforce.
Our goal is to scale to the Northwest Indiana workforce's needs by closing the gap between employer-demand open jobs and the missing skills of unemployed and underemployed workers, to achieve a median income that begins to align with USA levels, and to compete for the future.
NWI Works Impact At A Glance
1,000+
Residents placed in jobs annually
$40K+
Average starting wages
4,500+
Projected indviduals
served each year
80%
Target job retention at
6 months
$1.3B+
Projected economic impact through wages and investment
We align training with real employer demand in sectors that drive the regional economy.
Impact on Individuals
From Uncertainty to Opportunity
NWI Works helps individuals overcome barriers and build pathways to sustainable careers. Through coaching, training, and real-world experience, participants gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
Career exploration and goal setting
Hands-on training in high-demand fields
Resume development and interview preparation
Direct connections to employers
Result:
Participants move from unemployment or underemployment into stable, career-track jobs with growth potential.
Impact on Employers
A Workforce Pipeline That Works
Employers partner with NWI Works to access a reliable pipeline of skilled, job-ready talent aligned with their needs.
Pre-trained and credentialed candidates
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training (OJT)
Customized workforce solutions
Reduced hiring time and turnover
Result:
Businesses gain productive employees faster—while reducing recruitment and training costs.
Impact on Community
Strengthening Northwest Indiana
NWI Works is more than a workforce program—it’s a catalyst for community revitalization and economic mobility.
Increased household incomes (target: 20–30% growth)
Reduced unemployment in distressed communities
Expanded access to education and training
Revitalization of the historic Elston campus
Result:
Stronger neighborhoods, greater economic resilience, and expanded opportunity for all.
8 Northwest Indiana communities assessed.
We assessed 111 NWI census tracts in eight geographies to determine the primary locations for Opportunity Collaboratives in distressed Northwest Indiana neighborhoods.
Over 80 sessions have engaged community leadership to recommend Opportunity Collaborative locations in the following communities.
Market Reports:
East Chicago
Gary
Hammond
Jasper and Newton Counties
La Porte
Michigan City
Portage
Valparaiso
Click images to view each market report
$1.37 Billion in Economic Impact for Every 4,853 employed
If we engage 4,853 additional unemployed and underemployed workers to achieve the same workforce participation rate as the national level, in addition to impacting currently engaged workers in the following categories.
Focus areas for economic impact:
Youth (18-24)
Closing the youth employment gap
Closing the youth underemployment gap
Prime Age Adults (25-54)
Closing the prime age employment gap
Closing the prime age underemployment gap
A Proven Model for Success
NWI Works delivers results through an integrated, three-phase approach:
Engage
Connect individuals to career pathways and support services
Prepare
Provide training, credentials, and hands-on experience
Connect
Link participants directly to employers and career opportunities
This streamlined model removes barriers and accelerates pathways to employment.
Join Us in Building Opportunity
Whether you’re seeking a career, hiring talent, or investing in the future of our region—there’s a place for you at NWI Works.