The Badger Prairie Needs Network (BPNN) is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty and ending hunger locally. They have operated a food pantry since 1986 and provide a range of services to Dane County households. They offer free…
Independent Living Program Helps Individual Persevere
Young adult uses program supports to live independently. Rae connected with the Independent Living Program after aging out of foster care for support living independently and continuing his education. He enrolled at UW – Madison in the engineering program and…
Young Adult Uses Youth Apprenticeship to Test Career Pathway
Individual gains industry knowledge in apprenticeship. Avery entered an electrical prefabrication Youth Apprenticeship at Westfall and Company to gain industry knowledge and test out a career before high school graduation. Electrical prefabrication is a fast-paced environment, which allowed Avery to…
Participant Helps Community Through Work Experience
COVID-19 Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant Sara connected with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programming after losing her job due to COVID-19. She was determined to find work that bettered herself and the community – but also supported…
Young Adult Determined to Reach Education Goals
Individual connects with WorkSmart for training support. Beatrice connected with the WorkSmart Network in 2020 while enrolled in the Strive CNA Healthcare training through Operation Fresh Start. She struggled with the virtual environment and decided to pause her education. But…
Dislocated Worker Uses Layoff to Pursue Dream Career
Individual uses WIOA for support navigating challenges. After losing her job of 20 years, Charlotte decided to pursue her dream “second career” in the healthcare field. She knew transitioning industries would be challenging, so she connected with the Workforce Innovation…
WDBSCW Partners with Madison College, Opportunities, Inc. to Upskill Incumbent Workers with Leadership Academy
FORT ATKINSON, November 7, 2022 – The Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW) partnered with Madison College and Opportunities, Inc. to grow the skills of incumbent workers in Jefferson County through a Leadership Academy. Local businesses selected employees…
WorkSmart Smartly Works with Locals to Find Smart Work
Jonathan Shipley | WiscNews October 7, 2022 Tracy Carbonara needed a job. The Wisconsin Dells resident worked in the restaurant industry for years. She managed a restaurant but lost her job and wasn’t sure what to do next. She was…
Incarcerated Students Graduate from Madison College Carpentry Program
Juliana Tornabene | NBC 15 MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Incarcerated students graduated from Madison College’s carpentry program Tuesday morning. The carpentry program allows jail residents to come to the campus for classes and get a work release. Students started off…
Youth Apprentice Hired in Mechanical Field Before Graduation
High school student learns hands-on before turning 18. Carter was interested in the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Program because it gave him the opportunity to train hands-on in the mechanical field prior to turning 18. He was hired as an apprentice…