Program
College & Community Collaboration (CCC) Initiative
Questions regarding the College & Community Collaboration (CCC) Initiative can be sent to Managing Director, Melinda Grismer, Ph.D., Community Development Specialist for the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD).
Stay up to date, check out CCC by the Numbers (September 2025 | May 2025 | November 2024)
Empowering the Wabash Heartland Region
The Wabash Heartland Region, home to around 300,000 residents across Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain, Tippecanoe, Warren, and White counties, is embarking on a transformative initiative to elevate the quality of life for its residents. Building on successful regional efforts like the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN) and READI, this initiative aims to harness the power of robust public-private partnerships and strategic investments. By focusing on two crucial social determinants of health – childcare and transportation – we seek to create a more supportive environment for workers and families in both rural and urban areas. Our goal is to enhance accessibility, reliability, and affordability in these essential services, thereby fostering a healthier, more prosperous community for all.
Program News & Updates
Childcare
The childcare component of this initiative includes a three-pronged strategy
- Increase access to regional childcare by investing in five (5) local childcare center & expanding seats.
- Elevate childcare quality through county needs assessment, training, and provider network building.
- Convene all stakeholders at a series of regional childcare summits.
Check out Extension’s Community Child Care
Transportation
The transportation pillar of this initiative includes a three-pronged strategy
- Facilitate commercial airline service in the Wabash Heartland region through the Purdue Airport.
- Invest in pedestrian and bike trail infrastructure projects in three counties.
- Implement a CityVan rideshare program across the seven-county region.