The State of Indiana Partners with The DeBruce Foundation to Roll Out Innovative Workforce Development Platform

The Indiana Career Explorer is set to help more than 70,000 people 

Indianapolis, IN – The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has partnered with The DeBruce Foundation as they relaunch the Indiana Career Explorer, a free career and education planning tool, to empower the Indiana economy.

The new Indiana Career Explorer (INCE) is a robust system that enables Hoosiers to explore career pathways within the context of the workforce landscape. The INCE provides detailed career assessments to help career planners of all ages focus on determining their interests, aptitudes, skills, and how they align with high-demand career pathways. The DeBruce Foundation’s Agile Work Profiler is featured as an assessment on the INCE to help individuals identify their skills and interests as they relate to the workforce. 

“When we were rebuilding the INCE system, we were searching for the tools to help users map their most effective career path. By taking the Agile Work Profiler, students and job seekers of all ages are equipped to more skillfully explore career opportunities, as they’re starting with their skills and interests in mind,” said Pam Warner, Director of Career Exploration and Advising/Coaching, Indiana Department of Workforce Development. 

Through partnership amongst the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Department of Education, Commission for Higher Education, Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University, and The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, the INCE is being rolled out this year for use by clients of Indiana’s WorkOne locations, students throughout higher education, and youth in Indiana elementary, middle, and high schools. This “one tool for all” is designed to empower and equip Hoosiers across the lifespan of their education and working life. 

“We know that increasing career literacy and building network strength are key to empowering individuals to expand their career pathways. The Indiana Career Explorer can be an economic game changer and we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of The DeBruce Foundation.

The relaunch of the INCE is in response to Indiana state legislation (IC 20-30-5-14), passed in July 2021 to overhaul the state’s existing online assessment and career exploration tool. Legislation noted the tool must include “career interest, skills aptitude, and work values assessments.” This public-private partnership between the state of Indiana and The DeBruce Foundation helped fulfill first the goals lined out in this legislation and is continuing forward as the INCE reaches Hoosiers statewide. This summer, The DeBruce Foundation delivered onsite training to staff from the Department of Workforce Development as well as the Ivy Tech Community College system. 

“Including the Agilities into our career coaching experience for students is a fresh approach, and the trainings from The DeBruce Foundation have been fantastic,” Caroline Dowd-Higgins, former Vice President of Career Coaching and Employer Connections at Ivy Tech Community College, the largest, singly accredited community college in the country. 

In the first three months of being part of the INCE, the Agile Work Profiler is receiving positive feedback from those taking the assessment: “Taking the Agile Work Profiler boosted my confidence” and from career coaches in workforce development offices: “In an ever-changing world, it helps people look at different opportunities for economic growth.” 

About The DeBruce Foundation 

The DeBruce Foundation is a national foundation whose mission is to expand pathways to economic growth and opportunity. The Foundation is committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and find career pathways. By developing solutions such as the Agile Work Profiler, we change how people pursue careers. By partnering strategically, we increase experiences and exposure to widen career opportunities, starting with youth and working across the lifespan. Learn more at www.DeBruce.org.

About Indiana Department of Workforce Development

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development connects people with employers through engagement with continued transparency and accountability, while celebrating, valuing and prioritizing equity, inclusion and diversity. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development is charged with continually improving the Hoosier workforce by assisting companies to create new jobs and improve employee skills. The agency offers a variety of training and educational grants, partners with Indiana’s WorkOne Career Centers and WorkOne Express Centers, administers the unemployment insurance system, provides labor market information, assists employers with preparing workers for layoffs and closures and operates a statewide job placement service. https://www.in.gov/dwd/ 

About Ivy Tech Community CollegeIvy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.