DirectEmployers Institute (DEI) brings learning to life by uniting public and private employers, schools and non-profit organizations that have a passion for creating a diversified workforce for Central Indiana students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged due to underrepresentation or disabilities. We inspire and prepare the next generation of a more diverse global workforce by bringing a simulated workplace environment directly to students in state-of-the-art, project-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Learning Labs and through local workplace learning programs.

DEI Has Three Primary Programs:

1) STEM YES! - Since 2012, we have offered our Youth Enhancement Summer Program (YES), now called STEM YES!, an intense summer program in grades 9-12 to explore STEM careers in a work-based environment.

2) Workplace Learning - We place students interested in experiencing a  as part of their career exploration process with Central Indiana employers interested in developing a more diverse workforce.

3) STEM Learning Labs – We offer hands-on STEM educational programming for students in grades 8-12 that occur at  located on-site at select schools, community centers, and other flexible spaces in Central Indiana. Students visit the Learning Labs during school hours, after school, and in the summer, based on the needs of the individual student and the requirements of the student's school. Learning Labs contain actual workplace equipment and replicate the corporate culture and business practices from one of our employer partners.