Frankfort, IN – The Wildcat Creek Career Cooperative (WCCC) is proud to highlight a year of remarkable progress, marked by innovative programming, strong industry partnerships, and expanded opportunities for students across Clinton County.
One of the most significant milestones this year is the
LEARN Academy, where students LEARN about a future in Industrial Maintenance while gaining knowledge about practices in local partner facilities. WCCC is wrapping up its first year of the program, in which six students from Clinton County high schools participated in a rigorous experience combining coursework through Ivy Tech Community College with hands-on job shadowing at local industry partners, including Covestro, Frito Lay, NHK Seating, and Tenneco. WCCC is excited that more than half of these students will return next year to participate in the capstone program, where they will continue their training and gain additional real-world experience through a paid internship at one of our partner facilities. The Cooperative also looks forward to welcoming up to 12 new students into their first-year of the LEARN Academy program, continuing to grow this impactful pathway.
LEARN Academy students at Tenneco
Cody Matthews from Tenneco takes the students on a tour of the facility and explains the processes they use.
Electrical Training Board
J. Ruiz, B. Wallace, and B. Conklin take turns helping each other through their lab on motor controls during their class time at WCCC as part of their Ivy Tech dual enrollment course.
LEARN Academy students at Frito Lay
In the fall, the students started their first rotation at Frito Lay. Additional partners for the program that are not pictured include NHK Seating of America and Covestro.
WCCC is also expanding its
Criminal Justice program by introducing the opportunity for second-year capstone students to earn the Indiana Jail Officer Certification. In addition to this expansion, the Cooperative has also installed a
MILO 180 Theater Range Simulator, providing students with immersive, scenario-based training that enhances decision-making and preparedness for careers in law enforcement. This new technology will strengthen student learning while also creating opportunities for collaboration with local partners on training initiatives.
WCCC is also expanding its Biotechnology Manufacturing program, which will be relocating from Frankfort High School to the WCCC facility. This move will allow greater access for students across the entire cooperative, including transportation to WCCC so more students can participate in the program. Originally launched with support from Eli Lilly and Ivy Tech Community College, the program will introduce its first Capstone Cohort during the 2026–2027 school year while increasing first-year enrollment to 10 students. WCCC is actively seeking additional community partners to provide Work-Based Learning experiences focused on industry regulations, quality control, and laboratory testing.
Another exciting development is the launch of the Career Exploration Lab, featuring 17 hands-on stations designed to introduce students to a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, middle school students from across Clinton County will be invited to WCCC to engage in interactive, career-focused activities. Support from a grant through the Community Foundation of Clinton County will further expand outreach efforts and increase student awareness of these valuable opportunities.
"These accomplishments reflect our continued commitment to building meaningful pathways for students while strengthening partnerships with local industry," said Georgia Everett, CTE Director for WCCC. "We are excited to continue growing programs that prepare students for high-demand careers and future success."
Looking ahead, WCCC will host its 3rd Annual Explore Manufacturing Summer Camp from June 22–26 at its downtown Frankfort location (251 E. Clinton St.). Open to students of Clinton County that are currently in grades 7–9, the camp offers hands-on experiences in 3D printing, programming, welding, biotechnology, and electrical systems. The camp runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. A small registration fee applies, with scholarships available to ensure access for all interested students.
