Through this program, LaPorte High School works to strengthen the bond between community business leaders and high school seniors. By pairing up students with those businesses, the program prepares these students for their future whether it be entering the workforce after high school or going off to college.

To further our commitment to education, WNIT is launching a 24/7 kids channel. The PBS Kids channel will offer non-stop quality educational programming for kids to watch anytime.

Just because school is out, doesn't mean that learning has to stop. At Potawatomi Zoo, they are teaching students their ABCs and also skills to conserve the environment around them through the Junior Naturalists Summer Camp. Students ages five and six embark on a week long journey as they discover the animal kingdom in alphabetical order and students also get hands on experience with the many animals that reside at the zoo.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a Cirque du Soleil performer? At Elite Sports Academy, Aerial Arts becomes possible for anyone no matter their skill level. The students here learn a variety of skills that increase their strength and flexibility, from doing acrobatics in the air to challenging your strength on the lyra. They offer classes for youth and adults so that anyone, no matter their age can get in on all the acrobatic fun.

Students at Niles High School are given the chance to get hands on and project based learning through Niles New Tech. Students taking part in this program are held to the same standards as other students, but complete their work through the use of technology and in group settings similar to a working environment.

The American Licorice Company was awarded the national recognition of being one of the "Best and Brightest" companies to work for. Employees are encouraged to further their education and community involvement with programs including tuition reimbursement and community volunteer events. Employees also receive advancement opportunities through classes at Ivy Tech and other apprentice programs.

At Marcellus High School students are bringing learning into the digital age, using virtual reality as a tool to teach and learn 21st century skills. One student used the equipment to create a virtual field trip experience, where students can learn about beekeeping through a virtual reality experience. But it doesn't just stop with virtual reality, students are also learning to edit, create announcements, and generate visuals using various multimedia platforms.

Across the Michiana area schools are taking part in a new initiative that recognizes students for their commitment to their work in the classroom and in the community. As part of the Governor's Work Ethic Certificate Program, students are given this award if they can prove that they have employable skills that local employers are looking for. This Criteria includes having limited absences from school, getting good grades, and being involved with the community. This week we took a look at some Elkhart Central High School students who have been awarded the certificate and one local employer's response to the new initiative.

The Next Launch is a business oriented competition for up and coming entrepreneurs in high school. Participating students put together their own presentations on a business idea of theirs and presented it to a panel of judges. The Ron Rubin School for the Entrepreneur hosts the competition where 26 teams from four states competed for a top prize of $25,000.

Through the Stayer Center at the Mendoza College of Business, adults are able to learn the tools needed to move into a management position. The four module program includes topics like leadership essentials and how to apply them to a professional setting.

The students at Ring Lardner Middle School are taking part in a brand new health initiative in hopes of improving test scores and classroom quality of life. This initiative gives students the opportunity to go out for a walk two times a week for twenty to thirty minutes. Apart from the time spent outside, students also have added benefits like increased focus in the classroom and physical benefits from the new initiative.

Across the Michiana area schools are taking part in a new initiative that recognizes students for their commitment to their work in the classroom and in the community. As part of the Governor's Work Ethic Certificate Program, students are given this award if they can prove that they have employable skills that local employers are looking for. This Criteria includes having limited absences from school, getting good grades, and being involved with the community.