See Yourself IN Summit: A Gateway to Career Pathways for Indiana Digital Learning School Students

The Summit is one example of how INDLS leverages community partners to help prepare students for life after graduation.

The See Yourself IN Summit, presented by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is a shining example of how community-focused events can broaden students’ horizons and connect education with future career opportunities. For students like Joshua, a senior at Indiana Digital Learning School (INDLS), the Summit was a transformative experience, showcasing the power of flexibility in online education to foster personal growth and professional networking. 

Joshua’s Journey with INDLS 

Like many students, Joshua faced challenges early in high school. He bounced between schools in search of the right fit, but his search ended when he found INDLS during his first year. The school’s schedule and supportive environment gave Joshua the stability and resources he needed to thrive. 

Since joining INDLS, Joshua has excelled academically, mainly through the school’s dual credit and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Over the years, he has completed courses in computer science, Python programming, and advanced subjects like dual-credit physics, chemistry, and calculus through Ball State University. 

His passion for robotics and programming has driven his ambition to pursue a future in mechanical engineering and computer science, with dreams of innovating in manufacturing and medical technology. “I like building circuit boards and programming,” Joshua shared. “I want to help people, and I can see this expanding into areas like personal medical devices.” 

The See Yourself IN Summit Experience 

When INDLS teacher Gina Oakley emailed students about the opportunity to attend the See Yourself IN Summit, Joshua knew it was a must-attend event. He quickly signed up and was eager to gain new experiences beyond the virtual classroom. The Summit, designed to expose students to Indiana’s advanced industries—including life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, workforce, agbioscience, and technology—offered Joshua a chance to connect with peers, professionals, and future opportunities. 

At the Summit, Joshua found inspiration in keynote speaker Olivia West, a passionate speaker, WNBA/NBA in-arena host, and student success and motivation champion, who shared her story about determination and focus. “She talked about staying focused on your goals,” Joshua said. “If you’re determined and know what you want to do, you’ll achieve it eventually.” 

The event also offered hands-on experiences like virtual reality experiences, lab demonstrations, and 3-D printing. As an engineering enthusiast, Joshua appreciated the opportunity to see how VR technology could intersect with his future career. “I’ve used VR at home, but seeing its potential applications in engineering was exciting,” he noted. 

A surprise highlight of the day was exploring woodworking exhibits, which opened his eyes to career opportunities outside his initial focus. “I was strictly thinking about engineering, but learning about other fields helped me see new possibilities,” he said. 

» Learn More about See Yourself IN here. 

INDLS: A Launchpad for Success 

INDLS has played a pivotal role in preparing Joshua for opportunities like the See Yourself IN Summit. Through virtual clubs like the National Honor Society (NHS), E-sports, and Chess Club, he has honed his leadership skills, connected with peers, and competed in high-level tournaments—even winning a championship in chess. 

“Every class at INDLS has supportive teachers,” Joshua shared. “You don’t have to worry about bullying, and the flexibility lets you tailor your schedule to fit your goals.” This flexibility has allowed Joshua to excel in dual-credit courses and extracurriculars while pursuing his dream of a career in engineering and computer science. 

Joshua is motivated by his family, particularly his mother’s hard work, and by educators like Mr. Grossman, INDLS’ dual-credit coordinator, who has guided him toward advanced coursework. “My mom has been my biggest inspiration,” Joshua said. I want to help her accomplish my goals by staying on task.” 

As Joshua prepares for graduation and beyond, his story highlights the immense value of flexible online education at INDLS and community-driven initiatives like See Yourself IN. Together, they are equipping Indiana’s students with the tools, experiences, and connections they need to succeed in the workforce and beyond. If your student is searching for an environment that allows them to be in the front seat of their education, we invite you to explore enrollment with INDLS!  

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