Talent Access bridges classroom learning and career opportunities through internships,
development and student-centered support
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (June 8, 2026) — 16 Tech today announced a new internship program, Talent Access. This summer, 17 college students and six high school students from Central Indiana will build their work experiences through this innovative workforce and experiential learning initiative created to connect high-potential talent to meaningful paid internships, while also helping employers build stronger and more inclusive talent pipelines.
Led by nonprofit 16 Tech Community Corporation, the program demonstrates 16 Tech’s commitment to expanding access to career opportunities and connecting local students to pathways for long-term economic mobility as part of its place-based strategy. The program further strengthens resources available to companies that locate in the 16 Tech Innovation District by providing access to a unique talent pipeline.
The eight-week program, running June 8 to July 31, pairs high-potential, high-need students with a paid internship, wraparound support (housing allowances, transportation, and mental health support), professional development, mentorship, employer engagement, and coaching directly into the work-based learning experience. Students will also participate in professional development, credential training, wellness programming, civic engagement, community service, and servant leadership experiences designed to support both personal and professional growth.
Participants in Talent Access, all Indiana residents, attend universities across Indiana and beyond, including:
- Ball State University
- Butler University + Founder’s College
- DePauw University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- Indiana University Indianapolis
- Indiana State University
- Ivy Tech Community College
- Marian University + Saint Joseph’s College
- Fisk University (Nashville, TN)
- Kentucky State University (Frankfort, KY)
- Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Students were selected in partnership with the universities’ career development centers who identified the students as being from a zip code in or near the 16 Tech area when possible. These students demonstrated strong interest in gaining meaningful internship experience but faced barriers that often limit access to those opportunities.
Research shows that students who participate in internships and experiential programs tend to have better employment outcomes, including higher employment rates and earnings after such experiences. Opportunity youth benefit from internships and are similarly linked to higher employment rates and earnings.
“This program was intentionally designed to create access, removing barriers for high-potential, high-need college students by connecting students to opportunity while surrounding them with the support systems necessary to thrive academically, professionally and personally,” said Tracey Jackson, vice president of talent, innovation and community. “Bringing together education, industry, and community to create these kinds of experiences is transformational for tomorrow’s leaders. ”
Talent Access employer-partners represent a variety of industries including innovation, healthcare, entrepreneurship, technology, education, public service and nonprofit. Employers include:
- Fathers and Families Center
- Franciscan Alliance
- Generations Community Bank
- Girl Scouts of Central Indiana
- Indianapolis Zoo
- Holliday Collaborative Agency
- Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Indianapolis
- Marion County Prosecutor’s Office
- Nyla Nova STEMversity
- Plastic Recycling, Inc.
- ScoutSync
- STARTedUP Foundation
- Step-Up, Inc
- United Way of Central Indiana
- We Are the Change Happening, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H)
Talent Access also includes a K-12 component designed to expose high school students from the neighborhoods closest to 16 Tech to career exploration, civic engagement and experiential learning opportunities. Participating high schools include Crispus Attucks, The Match High School, KIPP Indy Legacy High, Arsenal Tech, and James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy. The program builds on 16 Tech’s “I Can Be That” summits which served more than 700 K-12 students in the last academic year and partnered with 23 schools in nearby neighborhoods and other parts of Indianapolis.
Talent Access is supported by a grant from The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, with supplemental funding from Comcast, Indianapolis Foundation Summer Youth Program Fund, and Lilly Endowment Inc., facilitated by the National Urban League.
To learn more about the program and other opportunities visit www.16tech.com
# # #
About 16 Tech
Opened in 2020, the 16 Tech Innovation District is a growing destination for innovation and entrepreneurship and a driver of the tech enablement of the life-sciences and advanced manufacturing industries key to Indiana’s economy. Connected to historic neighborhoods in downtown Indianapolis and intentionally resourced with facilities and programs to foster innovation, 16 Tech is home to 300+ innovation related entities and 630,000 square feet of office, lab and maker spaces, and amenity space. At full build-out, 16 Tech anticipates more 2 million square feet of innovation related space that supports 3,000 jobs. The nonprofit 16 Tech Community Corporation leads the district and ensures benefits of economic growth, new investment and job creation extend to nearby neighborhoods as well as the city, the region, and the state. More information can be found at www.16tech.com.
