December 2023 by Jeff Eads

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Alex Downard, Director of Imagine One 85, about the innovative Wabash County Fellowship Program. This is one of the best examples that I have seen of pulling partners together to creatively address the talent attraction needs of a community. Specifically, their approach to the summer housing challenge is bold and resourceful. You can read more about it in this article from Input Fort Wayne.  

The Fellowship Program includes: 

• Full-time Paid Internship with one of ten Wabash County Employers 
• Adventure-style Housing (their own luxury RV) 
• Professional and Fun activities designed to build professional network 
• Community Engagement with Nonprofits and Impact Projects 
• Professional Development Opportunities 
• Networking among Fellows from Across the Country  
• Opportunities to Earn Job Offers and Scholarships through partnering companies.  

This program is designed to attract 10 non-resident students to Wabash County for the summer.  

If your community has creative solutions to a challenging problem, email us and let us know. We’d love to share your story. Engage@bsu.edu 

Jeff Eads is the Director for Industry Engagement at Ball State University.