By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — A new education grant is aimed at supporting people who jumped into the workforce with little college experience, but are viewed by their employers as having strong leadership potential.
The $250,000 grant from the Don Wood Foundation was arranged through OrthoWorx, KEDCO, and Ivy Tech Kosciusko County.
This award will fully fund the next two cohorts of Ivy Tech’s Applied Organizational Leadership Studies program, providing 50 adults across the region with access to high-impact leadership training at no cost.
Allyn Decker, Vice President of Operations and Engagement for OrthoWorx, was asked who this grant could benefit.
“This is really for anyone who is already employed but who is new to supervision or leadership or would be considered a high-potential employee,” Decker said.
Leadership development, he said, is always at the top of the list for companies.
OrthoWorx and the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) will sponsor all tuition, instruction, materials, marketing, and program administration for the AOLS certificate program over the next two years, according to a news release from OrthoWorx.
The initiative directly responds to a growing regional demand for “upskilled supervisors” and emerging leaders capable of advancing into new roles, the release said.
“Leadership development is one of the most consistent needs we hear from local employers,” said Jessica Hauck, Housing & Talent Manager at KEDCO. “This partnership allows us to meaningfully scale a program that equips emerging leaders with practical skills and real advancement opportunities. We’re excited to support another two cohorts and see the ripple effects this investment will create across our community.”
The AOLS program is a flexible, 18-credit certificate built for working adults, offering one evening course at a time from August through May. Coursework includes team leadership, organizational culture, conflict resolution, multicultural leadership, and personal leadership development. Students also earn transferable college credits that can be applied toward an associate degree.
This initiative expands a successful 2025 pilot and will fully fund 25 students per cohort, improving access to leadership development and addressing countywide workforce advancement needs.
“This grant represents a powerful investment in Kosciusko County’s workforce and future,” said Decker.
“The AOLS program has already shown the impact it can make on rising leaders. With this support from the Don Wood Foundation, we’re able to remove financial barriers and open new doors for individuals who want to grow, advance, and contribute even more to our community,” Decker added.
The grant program honors the vision of Don Wood by funding scholarships and grants that help learners earn credentials in fields aligned with the Foundation’s mission, including advanced manufacturing, technology, sales and marketing, organizational leadership, and entrepreneurship.
“We see the potential this program offers the community,” said Laura Macknick, President & CEO, Don Wood Foundation. “The Don Wood Foundation is pleased to invest in programs benefitting people who are ready to learn and better equip themselves for future challenges.”
The AOLS program aligns directly with these priorities by equipping adults with immediately applicable leadership skills while supporting long-term career advancement and employer competitiveness.
“We are thrilled to expand access to the Applied Organizational Leadership Studies program,” said Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne & Kosciusko County Chancellor, Kim Barnett-Johnson. “The support from OrthoWorx, KEDCO, and the Don Wood Foundation helps us reach learners who may never have had the opportunity to pursue college credit or leadership training. This program changes lives, strengthens employers, and elevates our entire region.”
