University of Indianapolis.

With traditional industries struggling in a volatile economy, concern is growing about Indiana's poor record of retaining college graduates. The state ranks 14th nationally in awarding bachelor's degrees, yet it ranks 43rd in the percentage of adults holding such degrees.

The Institute for Emerging Careers at the University of Indianapolis is tackling this "brain drain" crisis with a campaign to identify the growth industries of Indiana's future and to prepare Hoosier students for jobs in those fields.

The IEC coordinates partnerships among businesses, community groups and the university's faculty, students and career-services office, guiding them in a multifaceted mission that includes:

* Recognizing new and expanding business sectors in Indiana and determining the professional skills needed to support them

* Establishing emerging-career internships that generate feedback for the development of curriculum and degree programs

* Recruiting students and placing graduates in promising Indiana industries

* Measuring success and continually refreshing forecasts, modifying programs and revising curriculum in response to changing employer needs.

"Faculty-student teams form the core of this program and collaborate intensively with...