This newsletter is geared to support school districts, employers and community organizations within the North Central Region. This region is defined by the boundaries of Centergy and Grow North Regional Economic Development Organizations (REDOs) and also includes CESA 9, CESA 8 (5 districts) and CESA 5 (11 districts).

We will develop and disseminate this newsletter quarterly. Please feel free to share information to colleagues as you see fit.

One of our goals for North Central RCP is to increase participation of students with disabilities in the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Program. A subcommittee in our region has convened to develop strategies around this work. The strategies focus on improving education and awareness within our business/industry partners and our educators. One example of this was the overview of DVR and WIOA services offered to each of our seven Youth Apprenticeship Consortiums in the region. Mallory Bryan, DVR Business Services Consultant, provided insights on how these programs can help businesses and students be successful in YA programming. Our RCP region leaders also presented to several County Community on Transition (CCoT) teams, Regional Special Education Networks (RSN) and the State of WI Transition Improvement Grant (TIG) Network. We will be presenting at the 23rd Annual WI Transition Conference in February.

Check out the new and revised Career Pathways linked in the infographic. Our region will be adopting the following new and updated pathways for this year: Non-Direct Patient Care, Business Administration, Transportation-Distribution -Logistics and Advanced Manufacturing.

Here are our Goals for Regional Career Pathways for 2024-2025:

• Increase by 5% the number of Students with Disabilities that participate in Work Based Learning Programs (YA).
• Each participating School District will add at least one company tour to their ACP activities for the 2024-25 School Year. They will be awarded a reimbursement to cover up to $190 in transportation once they document the Career Based Learning Experience (CBLE) in the CBLE Tracker.
• Increase the number of employers that are supporting CBLE experiences in IT, Business, and Education & Training by 5%.

Career-based learning experiences (CBLEs) are business-connected experiences and opportunities that allow K-12 students to participate in career awareness, career exploration, or career development. The key word in describing CBLES are that business partners must be involved.

We want to track our districts involvement in CBLES! This allows us to share our story and to celebrate our partnerships and support with our business partners.

SNAPSHOT OF NORTH CENTRAL RCP REGION CBLE TRACKER LEADERS:

• Stratford High School - 20 CBLE entries
• Northland Pines High School - 8 entries
• Mosinee High School - 8 CBLE entries
• Lincoln High School - 6 CBLE entries
• Rhinelander High School - 6 CBLE entries

TAKE ACTION! We know that more is happening in your districts than what has been documented thus far.

DISTRICTS - Please track your CBLES HERE

DISTRICTS -that add a new company tour related to a regional career pathway can request funds to help with transportation reimbursement - Complete form HERE to be considered.

BUSINESSS PARTNERS - Please reach out to Brooke Holbrook (bholbrook@cesa8org) or Stephanie DeVries (devriess@cesa5.org) if you would like to offer CBLES to your partner districts.

The Nicolet College Career-Based Education (CBE) Program, originally launched as a pilot initiative in high schools, has grown into a successful, yearly contracted program that continues to shape the futures of young welders. Over the years, the program has provided high school students with the opportunity to earn an Associate’s Degree in Welding while still in school. In total, six Laona students have earned their Welding Associate Degrees, setting them on a fast track to successful careers in the trade.

Laona students have consistently showcased their skills in competitive settings, winning the Nicolet Team Welding Competition five times — in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Individual welders from the Laona have also stood out, claiming the title of First Place Individual Welder four times.

Beyond the classroom and competition, the students have made a lasting impact on their community by constructing the new Laona Cemetery Arch, a project that demonstrates both their craftsmanship and commitment to local service. With its proven success, the Nicolet College CBE Welding Program continues to provide high school students with the training, experience, and opportunities to excel in the welding industry.”

In Spring 2024, the Wisconsin Standards for Career Readiness were adopted, formerly known as the Wisconsin Common Career Technical Standards. This revised set of academic standards provides a foundational framework that identifies what students should know and be able to do in order to prepare for future career choices and success, including continued learning through postsecondary education and training.

Our North Central Region participated in workshops during Oct. and Nov. to learn more about these new standards. We are excited about this work and the opportunity to expose student to Career Readiness throughout all their curriculum.

To learn more about Career Readiness Standards, please reach out to Stephanie and Brooke.

In an effort to further expose students to career pathways in Engineering and Engineering Technology, we have developed a series of original in-classroom workshops focusing on underserved, but high demand Engineering fields. These workshops are designed to fit within a 45-60 minute high-school class period, are led by NTC ScEAM (School of Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing) staff and are 100% free to participate. For these workshops, we can come to your school to lead them in a designated class period.

We are sharing great resources from Xello on their WBL tool. Did you know that you have access to this tool as a North Central RCP District? This is a fee for service side of Xello that is currently covered under the grant. To learn more, view these resources from Diana Rechichi, our Training Specialist:

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