The Greater Lafayette Career Academy (GLCA) offers a variety of coursework to prepare students to continue their education or equip them to meet the growing need for skilled, qualified workers in our state. A new position at GLCA is helping to foster relationships to meet the needs of both students and employers.

Rosemary Cheek-Walthour is the new partnership and work-based learning coordinator. Cheek-Walthour comes to GLCA after serving as the Assistant Director of Outreach and Director of Diversity and Equity at Ivy Tech Community College. She also has experience working as an internship coordinator at Calumet College of St. Joseph’s College. She has a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College and a master’s degree from Purdue University.

“This position is an integral part of the strategic plan to increase work-based learning experiences for students in Tippecanoe County,” says the Director of Career and Technical Education Miranda Hutcheson. “This position provides students with an opportunity to gain on-the-job experience and connect with industry before leaving high school. Ultimately, students will be able to make more informed decisions about their future.”

Cheek-Walthour will be working to develop more partnerships in high demand fields locally and around the state, such as advanced manufacturing, construction and networking and cybersecurity.

“The opportunities that arise from our partnerships allow students to gain the skills and competencies needed to be successful in the workforce, skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving and collaboration,” says Cheek-Walthour. “Our programs also provide local employers with an expanded pool of qualified candidates who are willing to increase their skills with on-the-job training.”

Currently, the GLCA enjoys strong partnerships in the healthcare field with IU Arnett, Franciscan Health and Indiana Veterans Home. In addition, the Builders Association of Greater Lafayette and Gaylor Electric are instrumental in the construction trades program.