Southwest Dubois programs receive two Regional Innovation Awards

Left to right: Southridge High School Principal Greg Gogal, CRAFTED Instructors Sam Collins and Jason Diekhoff, DLI Teacher Madi Gil, Huntingburg Elementary Principal Megan Anselement, Director of Curriculum Melissa Boeglin, CFO Allison Pund

Southwest Dubois County School Corporation had plenty to celebrate Friday, as the Regional Opportunity Initiatives recognized two district programs in its 2026 Annual Report to the Region at French Lick Resort.

The district received the Regional Welcoming Award for its Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, while OFS received the Employer Innovation Award for creating the Crafted by OFS Academy in partnership with Southridge High School.

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is a nonprofit organization working to advance economic and community prosperity throughout the Indiana Uplands, an 11-county region that includes Dubois County. Since its founding in 2015, ROI has worked closely with schools, employers and communities to strengthen the region through education and workforce development, industry partnerships and quality-of-place initiatives.

Its education and workforce efforts are designed to connect students with opportunities while helping regional employers develop the talent they need. The awards are part of ROI’s annual Indiana Uplands Regional Innovation Awards, which recognize individuals, organizations and partnerships making an impact in education, workforce development, economic development and quality of place throughout the 11-county Indiana Uplands region.

The Regional Welcoming Award recognizes innovative efforts that help attract, integrate and retain a diverse workforce and newcomers to the Indiana Uplands. Southwest Dubois’ Dual Language Immersion program began at Huntingburg Elementary School in 2019 and has added a bilingual teacher at each grade level as the program has grown. Beginning in 2033, Southridge High School is expected to graduate approximately 50 students annually who will have the opportunity to earn a Spanish minor. These bilingual graduates will bring valuable language and cultural skills into colleges, the military and workplaces throughout the region, including health sciences, business, finance, advanced manufacturing and education.

At Southridge High School, OFS received the Employer Innovation Award for Crafted by OFS, a partnership that prepares students for high-demand careers through authentic, hands-on learning. OFS helped transform a classroom into an advanced manufacturing lab with industry-standard equipment for welding, CNC machining, routing, upholstery and other manufacturing processes.

OFS employee Jason Diekhoff also works alongside Southridge teacher Sam Collins two days each week, giving students direct access to industry expertise and mentorship. Students learn to read blueprints, operate equipment, solve problems and create finished products—many of which, including desks, chairs, bookshelves and cabinets, are now used throughout Southridge High School.

Together, the two Regional Innovation Awards highlight the different ways Southwest Dubois schools and community partners are preparing students for what comes next. Whether students develop proficiency in two languages beginning in kindergarten or gain hands-on manufacturing experience before graduating from high school, both programs share a common goal: creating meaningful opportunities for students while developing the talent that will strengthen our community and region for years to come.