Gain skills and knowledge to succeed on your education and career pathways.

We know young adults are the future of our workforce, economy and communities. Our goal is to position you on a good pathway to a rewarding career because confident, aware and skilled young adults contribute immeasurably to a stronger community.

We partner with a number of other organizations to help you meet your academic and career goals. So if you’re 14 to 21 years old, connect with us to learn about the services that may be available to you, including tutoring, job readiness and retention training, and paid and unpaid work experiences.

I want to give a thank you and a shout out to the [WIOA In-School Youth Program] and HOPE too because if it wasn’t for them I don’t think we would be here.

Katie, WIOA In-School Youth Program graduate

Independent Living

If you’re a current or former foster care young adult and are looking for assistance, funding for education or a boost in your career, let’s talk. We can connect you to local resources to help you gain life skills and thrive on your career or education pathway to become a successful adult.

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STEPS

We know you’re ready to step into your future. But do you have all the tools you need to succeed? STEPS is a short-term academy that can prepare you with tips and resources, whether you want to continue your education, start a career or aren’t sure what’s next.

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Out-of-School Youth Program

The WorkSmart Network’s Young Adult (Out-of-School) Program connects eligible young adults with the services and support needed to succeed. Connect with us if you’re interested in career advising, tutoring, job readiness and retention training, and internship connections to help prepare you for your career. The program is available with funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Contact a WorkSmart Network staff nearest you from the list below to learn more.

Youth Apprenticeships

The Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Program is a unique school-to-work program that integrates school- and work-based learning to instruct students on employability and occupational skills as defined by Wisconsin industries. Under the design, you’re enrolled in academic classes to meet high school graduation requirements, enrolled in a YA-related instruction class and employed by a participating employer under the supervision of a mentor.

If you’re interested in becoming a youth apprentice, contact your school’s counselor for more information.

Inspire Madison Region

Inspire Madison Region is a collaborative effort to help you achieve your academic, career and life goals to help build a stronger workforce in Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson and Sauk counties. Under the initiative, career development tools and workforce data form a system where educators, students, parents and job seekers can connect around work-based learning and career coaching.

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Contact Us

If you’re interested in learning more about the young adult services and programs that may be available to you, contact a staff member in a location near you.

Columbia, Dodge, Marquette & Sauk Counties

Angel Smith at 608-432-1027 or asmith@worksmartnetwork.org

Ashley Daane at 608-844-9518 or adaane@worksmartnetwork.org

Jefferson County

Samantha Centeno at 608-444-2728 or scenteno@worksmartnetwork.org

   Dane County

Dave Ruthenberg at 608-224-3525 or druthenberg@worksmartnetwork.org

Pricilla Reyes at 608-249-9001 or preyes@wdbscw.org

Kristin Lee at 608-242-4547 or klee@worksmartnetwork.org
Stephanie Le at (608) 242-4542 sle@worksmartnetwork.org

Morgan Eisele at 608-244-4721 or meisele@worksmartnetwork.org

 

 

 

Job Center of Wisconsin Workshops

These workshops can help you prepare for employment with tips on interviewing, job searching, resumes, onboarding and more.

View Workshops