As a first-generation college student, I know how overwhelming and isolating the journey through education and career discovery can be — especially when the path feels invisible. Looking back, I recognize how transformative it would have been to experience a program that didn’t just inspire me to dream but showed me how to get there.
That’s the driving force behind I Can Be That (ICBT) — a 16 Tech initiative designed to introduce students, especially those from historically underserved communities — to thriving, high-demand careers in advanced industries.
But this isn’t just a program. It’s a partnership model.
ICBT brings together schools, employers, higher education institutions and civic leaders to create immersive, life-changing experiences that blend mentorship, exposure and empowerment. These aren’t one-time events. They are bold investments in building inclusive talent pipelines and equipping students with the tools they need to not only learn about industries they are unaware of but to how to lead them.
To date, we’ve hosted programs focused on advanced manufacturing, health care and, most recently, sports and empowerment in collaboration with the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee.
Last Friday, more than 150 girls from Indianapolis Public Schools, charter schools and township districts gathered at The AMP at 16 Tech for our latest Girls Empowerment: Sports Edition. They didn’t just attend panels — they connected with dynamic college and resource partners, explored high-demand careers and saw themselves reflected in powerful women leading in sports, business and civic life.
These types of partnerships work because they focus on real relationships and a commitment to sustainable change.
We are helping to create talent pipelines through early exposure, opportunities to network and most importantly, the ability to understand what these careers mean — and a clear roadmap on how to get there.
We believe every student deserves more than a dream — they deserve direction. By offering access, encouragement and a clear path forward, we’re turning potential into purpose.
And it works. Schools see greater student engagement. Employers meet and mentor future talent. Funders witness their investments creating measurable community impact.
But we cannot do this alone.
To grow the reach and impact of ICBT, we need more schools to bring their students, more employers to open their doors and more funders to invest in a shared future. Our economy depends on a skilled and inspired workforce. That workforce starts in classrooms, community centers and neighborhoods that too often get overlooked.
To educators: if you want your students to build confidence, find mentorship and explore careers with meaning and mobility — bring them to ICBT.
To employers, funders and community stakeholders: If you’re serious about inclusion, workforce development and long-term impact — partner with us.
Let’s build what’s next — together. When we invest in meaningful partnerships and purposeful programs, we don’t just spark imagination — we create the conditions for young people to become everything they dare to dream.
The future isn’t something they have to chase. With our support, they can step into it.
I Can Be That is a 16 Tech initiative created and led by Tracey Jackson, vice president of Workforce Development and Community Impact, and Maenecia Cole, Director of Experiential Learning at 16 Tech Community Corporation. 16 Tech Community Corporation is the nonprofit responsible for the 16 Tech Innovation District.
