About Us

An Overview of Genesis

We work with employers, small businesses, community organizations, government, educators, and residents to develop collaborative programs to support and expand our local economy. We do this through events that encourage students to apply curious minds and critical-thinking skills to real-world opportunities. We do this through convening stakeholders, facilitating conversations, grant writing, and research into best practices.

History

Genesis evolved from a 2007 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to the 10-county Region 9 Workforce Region. The grant provided funding to support each county with funds for the development of projects and programs focused on job training, job placement, and educational attainment. The Ripley County Community Foundation provided oversight of the program in our county. In 2016, the name of the program became Genesis: Pathways to Success, and the program remains an initiative of the Ripley County Community Foundation.

Major Accomplishments

Genesis has leveraged over $5.3 million into education and community development in Ripley County through grants, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions to programs and projects. Major accomplishments include the financial support and training of teachers for Project Lead the Way, teacher training in Project-Based Learning, National School Faculty training for administrators, the creation of Innovation Rooms and exploration of 1:1 computing for students in Ripley County through Team Ripley, the upgrade and expansion of the Southeastern Career Center Diesel Technology program, the establishment of the Ripley County Engineering Academy, co-hosting regional Manufacturing Day with local employers - special guest Governor Eric Holcomb, the expansion of Computer Science into all schools in Ripley County, introduction and implementation of VEX Robotics into schools in Ripley County, and summer learning opportunities for students through Manufacturing camps, Cyber Security camps, and Robotics Camp.

Quick Facts

  • We launched a year-long project in 2012 focused on bringing 1:1 technology to the schools in Ripley County. This project was funded by a large grant from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation, grants from the Reynolds Foundation and Tyson Fund, and a grant from Toyota. A team of educators called “Team Ripley” was enlisted to help identify which device was best for their schools as the schools transitioned to a 1:1 platform with wifi in buildings, students with their own device, and an introduction to eLearning .

  • We launched an Information Technology focused project in 2016 that leveraged Computer Science educator training and resulted in the development of a Cybersecurity Camp, Cybersecurity courses in high schools, and inspired educators to form and coach VEX Robotics teams in Ripley County. This project’s initial funding was from an Education Workforce Innovation Network (EWIN) grant from the University of Indianapolis Center for Leadership of Learning (CELL). Teacher training was provided by Nextech. Little did we realize that the 2012 project coupled with the 2016 project would prepare educators and students for eLearning during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020!

  • We collaborated with logistics companies and Southeastern Career Center to expand and enhance the Diesel Technology Program at the career center. This expansion involved donations of equipment, teacher training, and supplies along with major grant funding from the Dearborn Community Foundation, Rising Sun Regional Foundation, Ripley County Community Foundation, and Madison Jefferson County Community Foundation.

  • We have hosted Regional RGMC since 2011, growing the contest from 3 teams to our largest contest which had 15 middle and high school teams.