(Indianapolis, Indiana) – Phalen Leadership Academies’ premiere workforce development program, PLA University, is accepting applications in Indianapolis for our May 2022 class cohort. 

PLA University is a free workforce development program launched in 2020 to support adults within the PLA community as they strive to learn more and earn more. This program is now open to all adults in the Indianapolis area.

“Our goal is to help our graduating scholars and their adult family members learn higher-earning skills in in-demand fields that offer competitive salaries plus benefits, and the opportunity for future career advancement,” said PLA Founder & CEO,  Earl Martin Phalen. “PLA University is our first program for adults that extends our work to improve the lives of children even further by helping to create financial sustainability for entire families.” PLA family members and all adults in communities surrounding our PLA schools are encouraged to apply.

Indianapolis classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and provide funding for new careers such as:

• Medical Assistant
• Nursing (CNA, QMA)
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist
• Phlebotomist
• Veterinary Assistant
• IT Support Specialist
• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Warehouse Team Lead
• Powered Industrial Truck Operator

In partnership with the Launch HOPE Foundation, students also have access to a one-of-a-kind entrepreneurship training and mentorship program that teaches them how to think like an entrepreneur, turn their great ideas into business plans, and provides the support they need to bring their plans to fruition. Professional and career skill-based workshops are a program requirement and are scheduled for Thursday evenings or Saturday mornings throughout the month of May. Adults are encouraged to apply today. 

“PLA University has helped me so much,” said PLA University graduate Keyla Morris. “The workshops had empowering messages and allowed me to prepare for a new career as a Dental Assistant. As I worked through my courses, I was consistently encouraged by the PLA University staff. They really are life changers.”

Created as a response to community needs, PLA University also established an English language class at James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy on the far eastside of Indianapolis.  One of the unique features of the class is that there are students with various native languages including Spanish, French, Creole and more – all who have various levels of abilities in the English language.  The diversity of the class contributes to a more immersive English language experience, as the common language used in the classroom is English. As a result, the class has one of the best improvement rates in the state.

English language classes meet every Monday and Wednesday morning, from 9:00am – 12:00pm, at the James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy campus and new registrations are being accepted.

“It honestly feels amazing to be moving towards being an entrepreneur, instead of just dreaming about it,” said PLA University graduate Syreatha Jackson. “We appreciate all that PLA University has contributed to helping us gain the confidence to work towards opening up our own organization. We learned so much during workshops and working with their entrepreneurship partners.”

About Phalen Leadership Academies: Phalen Leadership Academies is a nonprofit school management organization with over 25 schools across the country in Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Alabama, Michigan and Washington D.C. 

For more information about Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) and its dedication to shaping scholars everywhere, please visit https://www.phalenacademies.org/or to donate in support of Phalen’s efforts, visit DonatePLA.org