Ports of Indiana has partnered with Indiana University Southeast to launch a new logistics internship program designed to support Indiana's workforce needs and introduce college students to port operations. Announced on May 6, 2026, the program's first intern, Jonas Powers—a second-year IU Southeast student majoring in supply chain management—will begin his 15-week internship in May. Powers will gain hands-on experience in transportation, logistics, agribusiness, warehousing, and port operations at Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville and with four port companies that play a key role in Indiana's global trade and freight logistics.
Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock emphasized that "Indiana's logistics industry depends on a strong workforce," noting the importance of helping young people see exciting career opportunities in ports and supply chains. The program is designed for students looking to understand Indiana's role in global freight trade. IU Southeast Chancellor Dr. Debbie Ford stated that the partnership creates powerful opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with real-world experience while strengthening the talent pipeline that supports the regional economy.
Ports of Indiana operates three ports on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River that support 50,000 jobs and generate $8.7 billion in annual economic impact across the state. The authority is also investing in a $100 million capital program and developing new multimodal terminals at all three ports. The maritime industry employs 650,000 workers in the U.S., and one out of every five Indiana jobs is related to logistics. This pilot program is planned for expansion to additional port locations through other university partnerships designed to meet Indiana's growing logistics workforce needs.
Note: This summary draws on SupplyChainBrain's publicly visible headline + subhead + opening paragraph and on sector background on port-university internship programs.
Key Takeaways:
1. Ports of Indiana and IU Southeast launched a 15-week internship program to strengthen the logistics workforce
2. First intern Jonas Powers will gain hands-on experience in port operations and transportation starting May 2026
3. Ports of Indiana's three ports support 50,000 jobs and generate $8.7 billion annual economic impact in Indiana
4. One in five Indiana jobs is logistics-related, and the U.S. maritime industry employs 650,000 workers
5. Pilot program will expand to additional port locations through other university partnerships in the future
