Workforce & Talent

As communities compete in the 21st Century, the development of a strong workforce has become a key component of a strong community. Lawrence County boasts strong public education opportunities and a commitment from the local community leaders to develop a workforce pipeline unrivaled in the Midwest. By boosting our local education opportunities with projects like the expansion of a the Ivy Tech campus into a new downtown location, the Lawrence County area is working to create the infrastructure to succeed. In addition to being adjacent community to a world renowned research university, Indiana University, the county provides life long learning opportunities from both Ivy Tech Community College and Oakland City University. 

We realize having educational opportunities is not enough. The community has made a commitment to creating a truly livable community for any style of living. As a recipient of the State of Indiana's Stellar Community Designation in 2013, the City of Bedford is working diligently on implementing new community amenities, such as: downtown facades, walking amenities, new park adjacent to the square, promotion of bicycling, and arts. Access to the Milwaukee Trail will also be available in downtown Bedford. The county offers rural settings for those who want to escape into wooded lots or farmland while the Cities of Mitchell and Bedford offer all the amenities needed in a small town setting. 

Vocational Colleges/Schools

The North Lawrence Career Center, located east of Bedford on State Road 58, accommodates 600 students with 14 programs of study. It headquarters the Indiana Laborers Training Institute. (Approved vocational school, South Central Indiana Education Alliance partnering with Indiana University, Indiana State University, Ivy Tech State College, and Purdue University.)

Colleges/Universities

Indiana University-Bloomington (about 22 miles; Bloomington, IN; Full-time enrollment: 39,039)

Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington (about 22 miles; Bloomington, IN; FT enrollment: 3,007)

Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus (about 42 miles; Columbus, IN; FT enrollment: 2,045)

Indiana University-Southeast (about 52 miles; New Albany, IN; FT enrollment: 5,050)

Vincennes University (about 57 miles; Vincennes, IN; FT enrollment: 9,876)

DePauw University (about 58 miles; Greencastle, IN; FT enrollment: 2,360)

Jefferson Community and Technical College (about 59 miles; Louisville, KY; FT enrollment: 7,950)

Source: http://www.city-data.com/city/Bedford-Indiana.html#ixzz2gusfOvWr
Source: https://www.communitycollegereview.com/ivy-tech-community-college-columbus-profile
Source: https://www.communitycollegereview.com/ivy-tech-community-college-bloomington-profile