Grant Regional Career Center congratulates our local honorees at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s recent Impact Awards ceremony.
Work and Learn Indiana celebrated those involved in promoting, creating and cultivating on-the-job experiences at its Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference this week in Noblesville.
Work and Learn is a free internship-matching program that connects employers, learners, high schools, colleges and universities. It is managed by the Institute for Workforce Excellence, a subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber, a statewide business advocacy group.
The 19th annual Impact Awards ceremony honored Hoosier work-based learners, employers, innovative programs, work-based learning supervisors and career development professionals. Three of the awards included Grant County nominees who were recognized along with award winners during the ceremony:
- Work-based Learner of the Year nominee: Grant Regional Career Center criminal justice student Westin Martin
- Career Development Professional of the Year nominee: GRCC internship coordinator Travis Hueston
- Outstanding Employer of the Year nominee: Marion Police Department (represented at the award ceremony by Deputy Chief Chris Butche)
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 19th Impact Awards ceremony in February 2025 in Noblesville honored more than 100 nominees, including three from Grant County. From left: Grant Regional Career Center instructor Travis Hueston, Career Development Professional of the Year nominee; Deputy Chief Chris Butche representing Marion Police Department, Outstanding Employer of the Year nominee; GRCC criminal justice student Westin Martin, Work-based Learner of the Year nominee; and GRCC Director Nate McNeely.
The Indiana Chamber noted that work-based learning has become a key component in building and diversifying Indiana’s talent pipeline, which is critical to moving the state forward. Internships and mentoring are key.
Nine honors were presented at the Impact Awards, with more than 100 nominees honored as well.
“Work and Learn Indiana is dedicated to creating and expanding high-quality experiential opportunities throughout Indiana,” Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders said in a press release about the awards. “The Impact Awards showcases remarkable partnerships taking place among education, employers, students and others to cultivate and develop talent. We are pleased to honor so many individuals and organizations preparing the future workforce.”
GRCC is grateful for the community support and partnerships that help us provide our students with excellent opportunities, including career training, professional skills training, networking, professional certifications, and more. To learn more about GRCC, explore our website, grcc.works.