A Vision for the Region: East Central Indiana’s Arts & Culture Plan

As a key partner in East Central Indiana’s regional arts and culture plan, our county is helping to shape a shared vision for how the arts can strengthen communities, drive economic vitality, and enrich everyday life across the region. That plan now serves as the framework for an exciting funding opportunity. The READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative is a $65 million statewide program funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. It is administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Indiana Arts Commission. Through this initiative, grant funding is awarded on a project-by-project basis and will be provided as reimbursement grants.

If you have a project in mind, don’t wait as the application deadline is April 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. For questions or to learn more, reach out to Acacia St. John at acacia@forwardwaynecounty.org or 765-259-3327.

The Arts are Expanding into Western Wayne County

One of the most exciting developments in the county’s arts landscape is the new outdoor venue in Cambridge City. Creitz Park Pavilion is a beautiful new space that represents a meaningful shift. Bringing arts and culture programming to the western part of Wayne County ensures that residents throughout the entire county have access to world-class experiences close to home.

Be sure to mark your calendars! The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be on Friday, May 8. The ribbon cutting kicks things off at 4 PM, and it promises to be a wonderful evening. There will be live music performances from Western Wayne artists, a fitting tribute to the talent and creativity that have always called this part of the county home.

The excitement doesn’t stop there! Looking ahead, Creitz Park Pavilion is already attracting some of the county’s most beloved arts organizations. The Richmond Symphony Orchestra plans to bring the magic of live orchestral music to the pavilion. Additionally, the Richmond Shakespeare Festival has plans for a theatrical performance under the open sky. These are the kinds of experiences that bring communities together, and Cambridge City will soon have a front-row seat.

A County Rich in Arts and Culture

Wayne County is home to a remarkable collection of arts and culture organizations. Each contributes something unique to the cultural fabric of our community. We are fortunate to count among our assets:

• Civic Hall Performing Arts Center: a vibrant performing arts venue that hosts a wide range of concerts, events, and cultural programming throughout the year.
• Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site: a national historic landmark in Fountain City, preserving the powerful story of one of the Underground Railroad’s most important safe havens.
• Richmond Art Museum: one of Indiana’s premier regional art museums, offering exhibitions, education, and a deep connection to visual arts.
• Richmond Civic Theatre: a beloved community theatre with decades of history, producing outstanding live performances for all ages.
• The Reid Center: a beautiful historic staple known for creativity and connection, supporting arts programming and cultural engagement for the broader community.
• Wayne County Historical Museum: Spreading across eight buildings, the museum is dedicated to educating and preserving the rich heritage of Wayne County and its role in American history.

Together, these organizations represent something we should all be proud of. They educate, inspire, and unite us. They attract visitors, support local artists, and give our communities a sense of identity and purpose. With new venues like Creitz Park Pavilion expanding the reach of the arts, the future is looking bright.

We hope to see you on May 8 and at many more performances and events throughout this year. We are still writing Wayne County’s creative story, and every one of us has a part to play.

The post Wayne County’s Creative Spirit is Growing appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

For too long, our narrative has focused on what we’ve lost: the factories that closed, the storefronts that emptied, downtowns in disarray, the neighborhoods that dimmed. Time has not served us well. Is this really what we want to cling to?

What if we shift the focus? Not on what we don’t have, but on everything we do?

Wayne County is rich with possibilities. We have the bones of beautiful historic buildings, walkable streets, hardworking people, entrepreneurs in abundance, and a deep well of local pride. Our Main Street and the Depot District are full of potential and opportunity.

The Heart

At the heart of it all and leading the way is the Wayne County Land Trust. The Trust builds on more than a decade of preparation and aligns with successful local and regional initiatives to amplify rural impact; all while being led by local decision-makers who understand Wayne County’s unique communities and challenges.

Decision-makers who live here, work here, raise families here, and who have expertise in real estate, construction, law, finance, and economic investment. Decision-makers that care about preservation, purpose, and passion, rather than tearing down.

It started with the purchase of Main Street and Depot District buildings. Some from out-of-state owners, but most from local owners who wanted to focus on their businesses and not their building, or who wanted to retire. They saw the Wayne County Land Trust as a trusted partner in the preservation and redevelopment of their buildings.

It takes a lot to give up something you love, and we are grateful these owners believe in the Trust’s ability to revitalize these spaces.

Local Accountability

Local ownership means local input and local accountability. It means we get to decide what goes into those storefronts, how the spaces look, and who benefits. It means keeping wealth in our communities, creating more housing options, and building intergenerational business opportunities for everyone.

And at no cost to taxpayers. The Trust is funded through philanthropic and investment capital. Although the trust is a 501c3, its properties will remain on the tax rolls and continue to contribute to local tax revenues. Our aim is to always reinvest back into the community.

All of Us

We are working in tandem with  Revitalize Richmond, AP Development, Flaherty & Collins, the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, and others to take sections of the downtown and Depot and make the buildings mixed-use.

This revitalization effort is about broadening our economic vision and welcoming a diverse set of businesses that reflect our people. Imagine with us. Coffee shops and tech startups. Event venues and design firms. Local markets, restaurants, music venues, makerspaces, and everything in between.

New businesses that complement our current Main Street and Depot businesses. Businesses that welcome and attract our residents and visitors alike. Businesses that are thriving and can stay open later into the evening, that are open on the weekends, and maybe, just maybe, a few brunch spots on Sunday.

Intention

We’re going to renovate the spaces with intention. We’re restoring buildings not only to their former beauty, but to future functionality. Places where businesses thrive, people live, families gather, and life happens.

It won’t happen in a year, but Main Street and the Depot will look different in the next five to ten years.

We’re creating a new future. One where community drives development, where inclusion is the foundation, where private and public investment intersect, and where hope is built into every brick and beam.

Can you imagine this? If not, what’s holding you back? This is your invitation. Look forward and see the potential and support the new future of Wayne County.

Together, we’re not just rebuilding the Main Street and Depot District. We’re reclaiming it. And we’re building it to last.

The post Reclaiming Revitalization in Wayne County appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Workforce Talent

One of the most meaningful areas of progress in 2025 was workforce and talent development. Forward Wayne County facilitated the organization and alignment of five public school systems and one parochial school system. The focus was on preparedness for work-based learning and the State’s new graduation requirements. This work ensured that students, schools and employers are aligned around shared expectations.

Complementing this effort, we hosted a second round of internship education training for employers. This helped local businesses strengthen their capacity to provide meaningful, high-quality learning experiences for students. These efforts are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected talent pipeline—right here in Wayne County.

To ensure residents clearly see opportunity at home, Forward Wayne County’s Employability Coalition launched the “Right Here in Wayne County” career campaign. This initiative highlighted the diverse and growing career options available locally, reinforcing the message that meaningful, fulfilling jobs and careers don’t require leaving the county. By elevating local employers, the campaign supports talent retention and attraction, two key ingredients for long-term prosperity.

Investing in Ourselves

Housing and neighborhood revitalization also took a significant step forward with the launch of the Wayne County Land Trust. This new entity represents a commitment to additional housing options, neighborhood stability, and reclaiming our downtowns, while supporting reinvestment into historic buildings.

In tandem, the Wayne County Foundation, through Forward Wayne County, made its first-ever impact investment in the Vaile neighborhood, demonstrating a new approach to community development that blends financial stewardship with measurable social impact. This milestone underscores our commitment to innovative housing solutions that are affordable and attainable for our residents.

GIFTS

2025 also marked the beginning of implementation for GIFT VIII projects, moving from vision to action. These catalytic projects in Cambridge City and Richmond are now advancing toward tangible outcomes that will strengthen quality of place, economic vitality, and community pride across the county.

We capped the year with a $1.5 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. through GIFT IX. This investment affirms both the strength of our partnerships and the readiness of Wayne County to steward resources effectively.

The SIP

A cornerstone of 2025 was a year-long planning process to develop a countywide Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). This effort brought together leaders, residents, and stakeholders from across Wayne County to align priorities and identify catalytic projects in five areas: housing, infrastructure, parks and recreation, revitalization/beautification, and tourism.

Ten of the county’s fourteen incorporated communities actively participated, demonstrating a shared commitment to collaboration and collective impact. The SIP reflects local voice, data-driven decision-making, and a clear roadmap for strategic investment in the next seven years. You can read it here.

2026

That momentum carries directly into 2026. In the year ahead, Forward Wayne County will begin implementing projects identified in the SIP, deploy asset-based community development training across the county through our Main Street organizations, and celebrate the opening of the Cambridge City Outdoor Venue Space.

We will also begin work on Phase 3 of the Whitewater Gorge and launch two new coalitions focused on Government and Arts & Culture, further strengthening collaboration across sectors.

Preparedness made 2025 a success. This progress belongs to all of us. In 2026, that preparation becomes action. Together, we will continue turning shared vision into lasting impact—right here in Wayne County.

The post Preparing for Generational Impact: Forward Wayne County’s 2025 Year in Review appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Well, that was me this past August, shopping for last-minute details for my September wedding, when I spotted some Christmas décor. Little did I know that in the blink of an eye, the holiday season would be upon us. While Hobby Lobby may push the holiday décor a little ahead of schedule (in my opinion), I can’t fault them for trying to spark a little early holiday magic.

A Different Kind of Magic

Experiencing Christmas as an adult is undeniably different than experiencing it as a child. But that doesn’t mean there’s no magic to see or experience; it just looks a little different.

Today, the magic looks like folks coming together and providing gifts so all children can have an enjoyable holiday. It looks like communities hosting holiday events that bring people together, year after year. It’s local businesses stepping up and supporting nonprofits so they can make an even bigger impact during one of the most important seasons of the year.

While the end of the year is quickly approaching, there’s still a handful of family-friendly events you can attend! Even better, most of these events are free or have a low cost.

• DEC 18: 3-5 PM | Holiday Survival Grab & Go at Family Resource Center of Wayne County
• DEC 18-21: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Richmond Civic Theatre *cost
• DEC 20: 9 AM-12 PM | Richmond Farmers Market Holiday Market at Starr-Gennett
• DEC 20: 10-11 AM | Legacy in the Pines at Cope Environmental Center *cost
• DEC 20: 1-6 PM | Christmas Box Giveaway at Townsend Community Center
• DEC 20: 3-7 PM | Santa at Two Sisters Bookstore in the Depot District

Where Community Shines Brightest

Wayne County is fortunate to have some incredible people and businesses that make our communities so special, especially during the holidays. From doing something as simple as eating at a local restaurant or shopping at a local boutique to making a generous donation to your favorite nonprofit, when we come together and do good, incredible things happen.

The Depot Festival of Trees is a perfect example of supporting local nonprofits during the holiday season. Local nonprofits decorate and display one-of-a-kind Christmas trees that are auctioned off to attendees. Proceeds from each tree directly support the nonprofit. This incredible event made quite the impact this year, raising over $45,000 for local nonprofits!

Let’s not forget the work that goes on behind the scenes to make the holiday season magical for all of Wayne County. Community volunteers who help organize parades, residents who go all out with their Christmas lights, town employees and volunteers who decorate downtowns with festive displays, and so much more that’s easy to overlook. Without this work, there’s no doubt the holiday season wouldn’t feel the same.

Cambridge City exemplifies volunteers making the holiday season magical. The Cambridge City Volunteer Fire Department transforms Creitz Park into a festive Christmas light display, open every Friday and Saturday from 6-9 PM through Christmas. Between Christmas and New Year’s, the light display will take place every evening. Admission is free, with donations welcomed to support the department’s equipment and building needs throughout the year.

Carrying the Spirit Forward

Next time you get to experience some of the Christmas magic in Wayne County, take a moment to say thank you. Whether that looks like dropping off some homemade cookies or writing a simple note of appreciation, acknowledging those who make the season special goes a long way.

As we celebrate this time of year, we’re also carrying its momentum forward. The spirit of generosity, connection, and community pride that defines Christmas in Wayne County doesn’t just end in December.

We’re excited to build on it in 2026 as new initiatives come to life, and we’re grateful to be part of a community where the magic lasts far beyond the holidays. 

The post The Magic of Christmas in Wayne County appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Whether through social media, radio, or online ads, these businesses know how to get the word out. So, as we focus on small businesses for the month of November, we figured, why not give them some love and get the word out about them?

While each of these businesses has its own unique identity and target audience, they both share one important purpose: keeping Wayne County residents informed. From sharing community events to promoting new business openings to reporting on the latest news, Wayne County is fortunate to have Brewer Broadcasting and Duncan Media. Here’s how each one contributes to a more connected and informed community.

Brewer Broadcasting: Connecting Communities for 65+ years

Brewer Broadcasting is home to three radio stations: KICKS 96, 101.7 The Point, and 95.3 The Legend. 96.1FM was the very first FM signal in Wayne County and recently celebrated 65 years on the air. Brewer Broadcasting also recently launched Hometown Headlines, a free online local news outlet that highlights positive stories in Wayne County and surrounding areas in Indiana and Ohio.

When asked about Hometown Headlines, Brewer Broadcasting General Manager Amy Dillon told us, “Sharing positive, local news helps uplift our community by highlighting its successes, resilience, and unique stories. It fosters a sense of pride and unity among residents, encouraging a more engaged and supportive environment. Our mission for TheHometownHeadlines.com is specifically to serve as a positive voice that promotes growth, optimism, and connections within the community, ultimately contributing to a thriving local economy and a stronger sense of belonging.”

Brewer Broadcasting offers advertising packages for businesses of all sizes, and you can learn more about those options here.

Duncan Media: Continuing a Tradition of Regional News

The newly formed Duncan Media family of stations includes five stations covering eastern Indiana and western Ohio. Established earlier this year, Duncan Media builds on the work of Whitewater Broadcasting and includes G101-3, WKBV 1490 AM/100.9 FM, 94.3 WIFE-FM, Star 98.3 WZZY, and Kmix 106.9 FM. With stations located in Richmond, Winchester, Connersville, and Rushville, they offer a wide-reaching platform for local businesses.

Rick Duncan, President/General Manager of Duncan Media, shared, “Marketing can be pretty confusing. Duncan Media is always excited to help businesses navigate their way through the clutter. We pride ourselves on helping them make a real difference in, not only the money they make, but the way they are perceived within the community through on-air radio, social media and more.”

If you’re interested in having Duncan Media help you with your marketing, learn more on their website.

If you’re looking to get the word out about your small business, connect with one (or both!) of these incredible local businesses. They know storytelling, and they’ll help your business shine.

The post Local Radio Behind Wayne County’s Small Businesses appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

The Wayne County Foundation has committed a $1 million impact investment to support transformative neighborhood revitalization efforts in Richmond’s Vaile neighborhood. The investment, made in partnership with Intend Indiana, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County (EDCWC), advances our long-standing mission to strengthen local communities, enhance the spirit of community and to improve the quality of life in the Wayne County, Indiana, area now and for future generations.

We adopted our local impact investment program in 2022. Different from grantmaking, impact investments yield both a financial and social return and are often part of a larger collaborative effort among stakeholders to achieve a goal. The financial return will allow us to reinvest back into projects that restore our communities, creating a social impact that will last well beyond our lifetimes.

Through our program, Forward Wayne County will review and recommend investments to the Wayne County Foundation board of directors from across Wayne County that advance countywide vitality and wellbeing that directly or indirectly serves diverse residents; revitalize existing assets to create vibrant city and town centers that offer community members hospitable and healthy spaces to live, work, commune, and incubate businesses; or that will improve Wayne County’s quality of life through investments in housing, entrepreneurship, and physical assets/built environment (not including basic infrastructure like roads, bridges, water systems, etc.).

First Impact Investment

The Foundation’s first housing impact investment allows us to put capital to work to drive positive community change, marking a powerful step forward in supporting the community outside of traditional grantmaking. We are being purposefully bold, listening to community feedback, imagining places of possibility, and realizing that big dreams start small. In this case, one place, one neighborhood at a time. Vaile.

“This project is a strong example of strategic impact investment at work,” said Acacia St. John, Director of Forward Wayne County. “By broadening the housing mix for our residents and advancing measurable goals for neighborhood revitalization, the Foundation is addressing both immediate community needs and long-term population growth objectives.”

At the heart of this work is a shared commitment to people, economic mobility, and inclusive growth. Our impact investment will help leverage state (IEDC) and local resources (EDCWC) to bring more attainable homes to market, ensuring that families across Wayne County, including local first-time homebuyers, have access to safe, modern, and affordable housing. It will also provide residential stability, increases in property tax revenue, and support a more diverse housing mix that aligns with community needs.

“We are pleased that we could be a part of a project that will catalyze redevelopment in our community,” said Rebecca Gilliam, Executive Director of the Wayne County Foundation.

“Strong neighborhoods are an integral part of a thriving Wayne County. Research tells us that homeownership provides a sense of security through a consistent place to live and ownership of the space and neighborhood in which someone lives. The affordable homes in this project are attainable for local residents and support our local economy. We applaud our partners at the EDCWC for sending Intend Indiana our way.”

Intend Indiana

Intend Indiana, an experienced statewide community development partner, will lead implementation, drawing from its proven track record in affordable housing, community revitalization, and innovative financing. They will aim to use local builders, contractors, and vendors to support our local economy. Their expertise, paired with local economic development leadership from EDCWC, positions the Vaile initiative to deliver meaningful, measurable impact.

The project also aligns with broader regional and state strategies to attract and retain talent by expanding housing choices and creating vibrant, livable neighborhoods with access to amenities, employment, and community networks.

As Wayne County works to grow its population and strengthen its economic position, investments like this help ensure that the county is prepared to meet demand and offer a range of attainable housing options. We are inviting others to join us.

If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you. You can reach Forward Wayne County at support@forwardwaynecounty.org or call at 765.259.3327.

The post Wayne County Foundation’s $1 Million Impact Investment appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Community playgrounds are a perfect example. Across Wayne County, more parks are incorporating sensory features and equipment that children of all abilities can enjoy together. Playgrounds that are leading the way include Clear Creek Park in Richmond, the new playground at Creitz Park in Cambridge City, and the new playground in Economy.

Playgrounds that Bring Everyone Together

Located on West Main Street in Richmond, the playground at Clear Creek Park is a great example, as it features a sensory playground designed specifically to engage and include children with disabilities. Highlights include a sensory play area, an inclusive team swing, an accessible swing, and ramps that allow children to access various parts of the playground. The result? A space where kids can play side-by-side, regardless of physical ability.

Creitz Park in Cambridge City and the town of Economy are also great examples, both of which recently updated their playground equipment thanks to donations from local residents and organizations, in addition to a funding match by the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program. Two accessible swings, two inclusive team swings, an inclusive spinner, and sensory equipment are all part of the new playground at Creitz Park. Economy also has an inclusive swing as part of the new playground.

More than Equipment

For many families, these upgrades mean more than just new equipment. For parents of children with disabilities, a trip to the park can sometimes feel out of reach when playgrounds aren’t designed with accessibility in mind. Inclusive playgrounds help remove those barriers, allowing families to share experiences they might not have been able to before.

As we celebrate Disability Awareness Month, let’s continue recognizing and supporting efforts that make Wayne County a more inclusive place for everyone. Whether it’s through advocacy, volunteerism, or simply appreciating the thoughtful design of our community spaces, every effort brings us closer to a world where everyone has the chance to play, explore, and belong.

The post Inclusivity in Wayne County Playgrounds appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

In September we are focusing on all things related to government. Forward Wayne County hired two interns this summer to assist with community planning and development. Tucker Burris, an IU East student, and Jaxin McCree, a Ball State student, spent the summer engaging with Wayne County communities and gaining insight from significant community members in each to help create the countywide strategic investment plan.

Their Tasks

Jaxin and Tucker’s roles were to gather information about each Wayne County Communities’ needs and help map out potential projects for the Strategic Investment Plan. Along with this, they also helped create housing and blight maps by surveying the surrounding communities. Much of their work involved working with town governments and communicating with community members.

Challenges Faced

Jaxin expressed that being assertive with community members was a challenge in the beginning of the internship. Tucker also experienced similar feelings when it came to setting up meetings with community members. However, Tucker noted that, “Once I realized how helpful and important this investment plan could be for these communities, it became easier for me to convince people that these meetings need to happen.”

Jaxin shared. “We also realized that many of these small community officials also had full- or part-time jobs. They do a lot of important work after regular business hours.”

Skills Gained

This internship put both interns into situations they had never experienced before, allowing them to grow and develop new skills. They found themselves acquiring greater attention to detail, better note-taking skills, as well as becoming better writers. Much of their work involved gathering and recording information for projects and creating clear project descriptions, so writing skills became very important as their internship progressed. Both agreed that honing these skills will benefit them in their future professional careers.

“Being a good listener and taking good notes helps you have ownership of your projects. And you become invested in the work. It was easy to get excited about a town’s potential and what Wayne County is trying to accomplish.”

Advice for Future Interns

Both interns expressed the value of being detail oriented. Making sure to write down every detail becomes important especially when projects span over multiple weeks. Tucker emphasized that, “Without the little things, finished products don’t come together.”

Jaxin also commented that not being afraid to make mistakes is a valuable trait to have, because it is bound to happen eventually. When it does, simply “…revisit your previous work, correct it, learn from it, and move on.”

They also both advised any intern in Wayne County to take advantage of any opportunity to explore the communities; go to every meeting you are invited to; go to events across the county; talk to leaders; put your name out there; and experience the unique restaurants and eateries in the county.

“The only restaurant we didn’t get to experience was Lumpy’s in Cambridge City. But we’ll be back!”

A New Perspective

With neither intern being from the area originally, they got to learn much about Wayne County. Jaxin and Tucker really enjoyed being in the community and seeing Wayne County up close. Tucker commented, “Being in the community and seeing Wayne County up close was awesome. It was wonderful to meet so many great people and have so many great conversations with people who have lived here their whole lives! There’s a lot of exciting things coming to Wayne County and I’m super proud to be a small part of it.”

Jaxin added. “Wayne County has so much history and we visited every community. People really care about what happens. Working with small, rural communities has been a real eye-opener for me. I’m excited to follow and see what happens in the next five years.”

Along with this, they both got to learn more about themselves. Both interns discovered that no matter where their careers take them, they want to have a job that leaves a positive impact on the community. And they could be convinced to make Wayne County their homes.

“Wayne County has good park systems, schools, employment options, and restaurants. Add some more amenities and diversified housing stock, and this will be the place for young professionals.”

Forward Wayne County enjoyed having Tucker and Jaxin as part of the team this summer and can’t wait to see where their career paths lead.

The post Intern Insights on Wayne County appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

For the month of August, we explored the wide range of career opportunities available right here in Wayne County. We featured many local businesses and career paths on Forward Wayne County’s social media. Continuing this month’s theme of employability, I had the opportunity to hear from Chad Lieberman, the new Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Hagerstown High School. This program was added to assist students with career exploration and to gain more work-based knowledge. I asked him the following questions about this new program: 

What experience are you bringing to this class and how did you find out what career path was right for you? 

I have been employed in various educator roles throughout my career: classroom teacher, school counselor, grant director, and now work-based learning coordinator. These experiences have provided me with a broad perspective of programmatic and student needs, which is necessary when tasked with building a program from the ground up. Additionally, this new role allows me to combine my teaching experience with my counseling experience to become an effective career coach for our Work-Based Learning students, while also leveraging the skills I developed as a grant director to build mutually beneficial relationships with local employers.  

Finding my own career path has been a process starting with my interests and having the mindset that “whatever I find myself doing, I’m going to do it well and trust that the right things and good things will come of it.” This mindset, along with being willing to accept new challenges as they present themselves to me, is what has led me to where I am today.  

Why do you think work-based learning is important for high school students? 

Beyond becoming a graduation requirement for most students in the near future, it is an opportunity for students to develop and synthesize their skills in a tangible, meaningful way. Each placement will be unique and provide an educational experience that exists beyond the walls of the school. What I mean by this is that it is important for students to understand how classroom curriculum is applied to the “real world”, while also developing the intangible employability skills and traits, such as dependability, that are necessary for success in all career fields. 

How do you plan on helping students discover their interests, strengths, and potential career paths? 

Discovering interests, strengths, and possible career paths requires a lot of self-reflection over time, and ultimately, this program will span K-12. We want students to consider and plan for their future selves throughout their school career. At Hagerstown, we plan to facilitate this directly and explicitly through high quality instruction, interest and strength inventories, career coaching, existing partnerships with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and East Central Educational Service Center, and yet to be established partnerships. As we facilitate these experiences throughout their education, the self-reflection required for such discovery becomes an inherent part of the process that will allow our students to assume ownership over the decisions that dictate their future. 

What are the most important skills students should develop when it comes to looking for employment in their future career? 

Most schools in the state have done this and most largely overlap, but Hagerstown has identified six skills/traits to develop within each learner as part of our Profile of a Graduate. We want every graduate to leave being (1) a Confident Communicator; (2) a Creative Problem-Solver; (3) a Respectful Citizen; (4) an Effective Team Player; (5) Dependable; and (6) Resilient.  

What are your goals for the school year? 

The goal and focus for this school year is to establish efficient systems within the Work-Based Learning program at HHS and build a network of local employers willing to host our students. We understand employers have no obligation to participate or sacrifice their own needs, but we are striving for a network of collaboration and mutual benefit.  

For our students, we want them to discover and develop their skills sets. In addition, we also want them to have exposure to meaningful work experiences with Wayne County employers. We have a lot of great employers that have great career options. 

This year will come with a number of logistical challenges, and some of those may force us to adjust. Nevertheless, Superintendent Emily Schaeffer has a clear vision of Work-Based Learning and Career Exploration K-12, and I am here to ensure that vision becomes actionable.  

Do you have any advice for students (or anyone) who are still unsure of what career path they want to take? 

Develop a plan. Even if it is a bad plan, that’s better than having no plan. As I said before, do well with whatever it is that you are doing now. You will find what is meaningful in that process which will lead you to where you should go.  

A Great New Asset 

I enjoyed getting a closer look into the new addition of the Work-Based Learning program at Hagerstown High School. It will be a valuable resource for students as they begin exploring different potential career paths. As a college senior who is still unsure of where my future career path will take me, I know I will also take Chad Lieberman’s advice to heart as I prepare for life after graduation.  

The post Work-Based Learning appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Back to school—While some students dread it, many parents look forward to their children returning to a structured routine. The transition from spending every day in the sun to long hours spent indoors behind a desk can be a challenge. Last year, according to ILEARN statistics, most Wayne County students demonstrated below 50% proficiency in both English and math. That’s why it’s important to do everything we can now to set students up for success. To support this effort, we’ve put together a list of tips to help students get back into the swing of things and start the year off strong.  

Get back into a healthy routine. 

It is very important for students to get plenty of quality sleep. Sleep is essential for overall health, mental clarity, and academic success. One way to improve sleep quality is by turning off all electronics an hour before bedtime and maintaining a consistent nighttime routine. Starting your day off with a healthy breakfast is also important. It’s known as the most important meal of the day for a reason! 

Prepare for the new year.  

A new school year can bring a lot of uncertainty, but there are ways to ease the transition. Be sure to attend any student orientations, especially if you will be in a new school building. Make sure you have all the necessary school supplies for the year, and plan how you’ll get to and from school each day. Most schools have school supply resources available if families cannot afford them, so don’t be hesitant to ask for assistance if you need it. For younger students, visiting the school playground before classes begin can be a great way to help them feel more comfortable.  

Create a homework-friendly environment.  

Create a homework-friendly environment that supports focus and productivity by minimizing distractions such as screens and noise. Establishing a designated study area, ideally separate from where you sleep, can help improve homework habits and reinforce a healthy bedtime routine. A consistent, quiet workspace makes a big difference in staying organized and motivated. If you don’t have a place at home to do this, consider visiting your local library, a quiet place in your local park, or a church. 

Communicate. 

Students: talk to your parents or guardians if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Parents: check in with your children and offer support if you notice them struggling to stay organized. For families juggling sports, clubs, and other activities, consider using a family calendar to keep track of everyone’s schedules. Staying organized as a family can help reduce the additional stress that comes with busy routines. 

Schools also have strong partnerships with community and mental health resources for students to use. Take advantage of them, if you need them. 

Stay positive and keep an open mind.  

A new school year brings new opportunities. It’s important to be open to new experiences and meeting new people. Try to be the classmate that others are excited to see at school each day, not the one that brings them down. Learn something new each day, make new friends, and most importantly, have fun! 

These tips were compiled from these articles on healthychildren.org and kidshealth.org. More advice and tips can be found in each. ILEARN statistics were pulled from this article written by Western Wayne News.  

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