For Immediate Release March 19, 2024
South Bend Schools' Career Hub Development Gets Green Light
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – In a bold move set to reshape the educational landscape of St. Joseph County, the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) has announced the approval of the St. Joseph County Career Hub, poised to be the first of its kind in the region. This groundbreaking initiative marks a pivotal moment in South Bend Schools’ commitment to providing unparalleled career opportunities for students across the county.
"The St. Joseph County Career Hub represents a bold step forward in our mission to empower students with the tools they need to succeed," said Dr. Todd Cummings, Superintendent of South Bend Schools. "By locating in the historic Studebaker plant, we are building on the legacy of innovation that defines South Bend. Through a range of programs spanning from precision machining to early childhood education, we are equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in an ever-evolving job market.”
Located at the intersection of Sample Street and Lafayette Boulevard within Studebaker Building 84 in Downtown South Bend, the St. Joseph County Career Hub will span an impressive 50,000 square feet, serving as the focal point of innovation and excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Following approval from the school board, construction of the Career Hub is scheduled to commence this summer, with a targeted completion date coinciding with the start of the 2025 school year. Monday’s vote approved the site location for the hub and authorizes SBCSC to negotiate the final terms for the lease.
“As record investment into the South Bend region creates new career opportunities, this new Career Hub will prepare our students for the good paying jobs of tomorrow,” said City of South Bend Mayor James Mueller. “I thank South Bend Schools and community partners for filling this critical need in our economy.”
What sets the St. Joseph County Career Hub apart is its dedication to offering specialized training and technical skills not typically offered in traditional high school classrooms. This visionary establishment will operate as a standalone location, providing students from all backgrounds with access to cutting-edge programs tailored to meet the demands of today's workforce.
“The business community is thrilled to see the St. Joseph County Career Hub development progress and appreciates the leadership of the South Bend Community School Corporation, and each of our educational partners who are working so hard together to make this project a reality,” said Jeff Rea, President and CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber. “The development of our workforce is critical to our business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts and this project will help differentiate our region from some of those regions we’re competing against. More importantly, we see the hub as critical to the development of our students as it will help prepare students for the jobs of the future by equipping them with the skills necessary for success in the workforce.”
The Career Hub will serve as a nexus of opportunity, welcoming students from any high school to take part in its offerings. It will offer hands-on training and immersive experiences in various fields such as entrepreneurship, robotics, automotive technology, cosmetology, culinary arts and television and radio. With its innovative approach, this hub will redefine workforce development for high school students in South Bend and Northern Indiana.
“I am delighted that SBCSC is taking another important step toward developing a Career Hub in South Bend,” said Dr. Stuart Greene, President of the SBCSC Board of School Trustees. “In taking this step, we are demonstrating our commitment to students and families who have long told us what they need in order to be prepared in an ever-changing economy. And I appreciate the momentum driven by community partners, area schools, and teachers in the CTE program who are looking toward the hub as a center of growth and development.”
Furthermore, the investment in a Career Hub stands as a testament to the corporation’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the community. With $13.5 million in funding secured, including $8.5 million from the 2020 referendum campaign, the project is poised to deliver on its vision for years to come.
"We would like to thank all the stakeholders who have helped this project reach this milestone, as well as the members of the South Bend School Board for allowing the South Bend Community School Corporation to move forward with bringing the St. Joseph County Career Hub to the City of South Bend,” said Chief Financial Officer and SBCSC Assistant Superintendent Kareemah Fowler. “This moment has been almost three years in the making. We look forward to building toward August 2025, when students from districts throughout our region will enjoy the fruits of this big step toward workforce readiness and making South Bend a center for growth and business excellence."
For details regarding the Career Hub development and the exceptional educational offerings available at South Bend Schools, visit our official website at www.sb.school.
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