Indianapolis, IN – 2/13/25 The Indiana Office of Technology (IOT) is proud to announce that its State Earn and Learn (SEAL) program has been awarded the Innovative Program of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. This recognition highlights the significant impacts of the SEAL program in creating alternative career pathways and promoting workforce development through innovative educational opportunities. 

In partnership with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s Office of Work Based Learning and Apprenticeships, the SEAL IT Program works closely with a diverse group of Hoosiers and reskills them for careers in information technology. The program’s model pairs on-the-job learning within IOT teams with paid study time that supports achievement of industry-valued technology certifications (including, but not limited to, CompTIA’s A+, Network+, and Security+). 

"We are honored to receive this award from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce," said Jeff Allen, acting-Chief Information Officer of the State of Indiana. "This recognition reflects our commitment to bringing talented people, who haven't had an IT background, but are interested in public service. Being able to teach them new skills benefits them to develop their careers, but also the Hoosiers they serve while working for the State. The SEAL Program has been a huge asset to the Indiana Office of Technology and supports Gov. Braun’s plans for making state job opportunities more accessible to all Hoosiers.” 

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce's annual awards program recognizes exceptional initiatives that promote innovation and economic growth within the state. The SEAL IT Program stood out among the nominees for its effectiveness in creating sustainable career pathways. 

IOT’s SEAL Program has been recognized with awards or coverage by many entities, including being a three-time finalist for Talent Impact at the TechPoint Mira Awards, StateScoop, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), and GovTech magazine. For more information about the State Earn and Learn program, please visit https://www.in.gov/iot/seal/. 

 

About the Indiana Office of Technology: 

The Indiana Office of Technology (IOT), named a Top Workplace in 2024 by the Indy Star, provides cost-effective, secure, consistent, reliable enterprise-technology services to state government so that they can better serve our mutual customer, the Hoosier taxpayer. Created in 2005, IOT offers more than 120 technology products maintained and serviced by expert staff.