Business News – Chicago Tribune

VTEC and Ivy Tech Valparaiso organize second graduation

The partnership between the Vocational Training and Empowerment Center (VTEC) and Ivy Tech continues to produce certified graduates, according to a news release. During a ceremony in late March on Ivy Tech’s Valparaiso campus, students William Stanford and Thomas Sims were honored as graduates of VTEC. As part of the 12-week program, students also receive a certification in basic manufacturing safety principles from the community college.

VTEC, a division of Opportunity Enterprises, helps students of all levels continue their education while preparing for their future, according to a news release. The program currently offers five training specialties, including electronics recycling and refurbishment, light industry, custodial services, food service and hospitality. Upon completion of the 12-week course, students will receive a mastery of the skills, as well as industrial accreditation certificates. The partnership with VTEC and Ivy Tech further allows students to participate in a traditional college experience after high school, the release said.

For more information about VTEC, visit vteclearning.org.

New healthcare facilities announced

NorthShore Health Centers is expanding into four new communities, marking a major milestone in its mission, according to a news release. In addition to the Gary facility, which opened in March, the other three markets and their opening dates are Crown Point (May 1), Michigan City and East Chicago (both June 28), the release said.

NorthShore currently has 20 locations – full-service and primary care clinics, school clinics and locations within other community organizations – that provide medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, mental health and medication assistance through on-site pharmacies, the release said. .

Each facility will be fully staffed in primary care, pediatrics, gynecology, dentistry, endocrinology, mental health and pharmacy, while Gary, Crown Point and Michigan City will also have chiropractic, optical and podiatry services, the release said.

Organization empowers high school students at Black College Expo

According to a press release, the Northern Indiana Chapter of The Links, Incorporated recently sponsored 28 local high school students at the Black College Expo at Chicago State University. The initiative aimed to provide access to higher education and empower students in their academic pursuits. The Black College Expo serves as an essential platform for students to explore different educational options, connect with representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and access scholarships, the release said.

Community foundation approves $232,000 in grants

The Porter County Community Foundation recently approved $232,184 in grants to 33 local nonprofits as part of the first of two
grant cycles for 2024, according to a release.

Grant recipients include: 4th Street Theater, $4,000; Beverly Shores Museum and Art Gallery, $1,700; Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, $9,750; Center for Workforce Innovation, $3,780; Dunes Learning Center, $5,050; Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, $10,000; Gabriel’s Horn
Homeless shelter, $5,000; Hebron Volunteer Fire Department, $9,500; Hilltop community center, $6,800; Jacob’s Ladder Children’s Rehabilitation, $8,829; Kouts Volunteer Fire Department, $10,000; Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, $3,500; MAKS Corp., $8,000; Memorial Opera House Foundation, $7,500; Educational Opportunities from Neighbors, $5,000; Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation, $6,000; Northwest Indiana Paddle Association, $6,000; Opportunity ventures, $10,000; Our greater good, $5,000; Parents as Teachers of Porter County, $10,000; Portage Recovery Association, $7,500; Portage Township YMCA, $10,000; Rebuilding Duneland Together, $5,000; Rebuilding Hebron Together, $5,000; Lies of Life, $9,000; Save the Dunes, $5,000; South Shore Orchestra, $7,000; St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center, $10,000; String-A-Long Stars & Stripes Quilts from Valor NW Indiana, $5,000; Three20 recovery, $7,000; The Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana, Porter County Corps, $6,275; True North Training Stables, $10,000; United Way Northwest Indiana, $10,000.

More information about the Community Fund and the grant process can be found online at PCCF.gives.

Gary casino makes a donation to Sojourner Truth House

According to a press release, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana recently donated $15,000 to Gary’s Sojourner Truth House.

Matt Schuffert, president of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, presented Angela Paul, executive director of the Sojourner Truth House, with a check for $15,000. The donation includes $5,000 to fund the 1.5-mile walk around Froebel Park and surrounding neighborhoods in Gary on June 8, 25 years ago. An additional $10,000 will support annual programs that provide assistance to homeless and at-risk women and their children in Gary, Hammond, Hobart, Lake Station, Whiting and other parts of Northwest Indiana, the release said.

In addition to helping women find a permanent place to live, the Sojourner Truth House helps clients become Transitional Outreach Program participants and maintain support through therapeutic programs such as basic skills, job training, addiction and other issues, according to a press release.

High school students invited to Preview PNW information session

Prospective students and their families are invited to attend the Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Preview PNW campus information session on April 27, according to a news release.

Preview PNW allows prospective students to explore campus and discover how a PNW experience will help build and create practical skills
connections to professors, the release said.

Preview PNW provides prospective students and their families with information about bachelor’s degree offerings, the admissions process, on-campus housing, paying for college and more. Application fees are waived for prospective students who apply during Preview PNW. The admissions counselors are ready to assist you and answer questions.

Registration can be completed by visiting pnw.edu/preview.

VU’s Occupational Therapy program listed

The Occupational Therapy (OT) program at Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions ranks #126 on the list
This is evident from the list of best graduate schools from US News and World Report.

The OT program officially began with its first cohort in August 2023 and is part of the university’s goal of preparing young professionals to make an impact on their communities, the release said.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2022 assessment of OT as an employment field highlighted the national need for professionals in the sector, predicting a 12% growth rate between 2022 and 2031, a rate described on the Bureau’s website as ‘much faster than average’. release said.

For more information about the occupational therapy program and the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Valparaiso University, visit valpo.edu/ot.