NEXT

NEXT is a career coaching program powered by Region 8 ESC that helps learners of all ages take their NEXT steps with confidence. Whether you’re exploring options, supporting someone, teaching, or hiring, NEXT gives you the tools, guidance, and connections you need.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER?

ACCIDENT

PRESSURE

APATHY

PURPOSEFUL PLANNING

OUR FRAMEWORK IS SIMPLE:

DISCOVER

“WHO AM I?”

Uncover your natural strengths and interests to build a foundation for career success.

DEFINE

“WHERE AM I GOING?”

Map out realistic pathways by matching your talents to in-demand roles and industries.

DISCUSS

“What's my next step?”

Put your plan into practice with real-world experiences and funding opportunities that launch your next step.

REPEAT

DEVELOP

“HOW DO I GET THERE?”

Access guided conversations and hands-on tools that turn goals into concrete action plans.

WHY WE’RE HERE

Launched in June 2024, the Indiana Comission for Higher Education selected 28 intermediaries from across the state to support this work.

With $25 million in state funding, over 724 schools across 70+ Indiana Counties are currently enrolled in the program.

Schools are supported with a menu of career and college readiness activities for grades PK-12.

MEET OUR TEAM

CINDY MCKINNEY

Assistant
Director

cmkinney@r8esc.k12.in.us

HOLLY CHAILLE

WORK-BASED LEARNING SPECIALIST

hchaille@r8esc.k12.in.us

BARB CSICSKO

CAREER COACHING DATA SPECIALIST

bcsicsko@r8esc.k12.in.us

SARAH PAYNE

CAREER COACHING INTEGRATION SPECIALIST

careercoach@r8esc.k12.in.us

AMY NEAL

CAREER COACHING INTEGRATION SPECIALIST

careercoach@r8esc.k12.in.us

HAVE A QUESTION?

If you’re in Northeast Indiana and ready to see what’s next, we’d love to hear from you

What Is Your Role?