March 27, 2006	Volume 5, Number 10

Business Friend of Education Awards presented

Five Wisconsin businesses received State Superintendent Business Friend of Education awards earlier this month for their efforts to help students connect academic and technical learning to real-world business and industry practices through work-based learning programs.

“When businesses, industries, and schools forge work-based learning partnerships, students are able to see and understand how academic and technical skills come to life in dynamic work settings. Work-based learning offers both the rich context and career awareness that is so important for our students’ total learning experience. These opportunities contribute to successful futures by helping students move into jobs or further education that better match their skills and interests,” said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster.

The awards were presented during the 70th annual Wisconsin Association of Career and Technical Education Conference in Green Bay. Receiving awards were:

Bellin Health for its work with Green Bay area schools and other youth services to provide Career Expos, presentations for elementary students through “Careers on Wheels,” and on-site health career days for high school students. Bellin also employs youth apprentices from the Green Bay area and offers a summer “Educators in the Workplace” internship to give teachers experiences that help them align in-class curriculum with work-base health technology and related care processes. Accepting the award for Bellin Health were Gail Boushley, nurse manager, and Karen Hoffman, education coordinator.

Denmark State Bank for its partnership with the Denmark School District and Denmark High School to support the academic and community achievements of Denmark students. The bank’s activities include funding recognition activities and participating in the learning lives of Denmark youth. Attending the awards program were Darrell Lemmens, Denmark Bank president, and members of the Denmark School District: Joe Duckett, school board president; Tony Klaubauf, superintendent; and Kevin Kilstofte, high school principal.

Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation Center of Greenfield for its quality learning experiences for Greenfield K-12 students through volunteer job opportunities, certified nursing assistant classes, and intergenerational learning projects between students and residents. Accepting the award were Mt. Carmel staff members Peg Napientek, education director; John Rose, activities director; and Debbie Ritter, social services director.

Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital for its work-based learning experiences, including guest speakers to school and community groups, job shadowing opportunities, youth apprenticeships, and scholarships to graduates interested in the health care profession. Additionally, the hospital sponsors the community’s Family Resource Center and operates the Wee Care Child Care Center, which provides a job shadowing venue and potential employment for assistant child care students. Accepting the award were Assistant Hospital Administrator Connie Achenbach and Student Job Shadowing Coordinator Julia Nelson.

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and its Community Foundation for the “SolarWise for Schools” program, involving seven northeastern Wisconsin high schools: Brillion, Crivitz, Green Bay’s Notre Dame and Lutheran high schools, Rhinelander, Stevens Point, and Wausau West. The schools receive a rooftop solar-electric system and curriculum package to explore renewable energy resources, solar power, and technical career information. Additionally, students have the opportunity to test their skills and compete in a variety of technical solar projects in the “Solar Olympics” held at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Chip Bircher is the project manager for SolarWise. Tom Meinz, executive vice president of public affairs, accepted the award.

“Comprehensive career and technical education programs involve students in becoming active citizens who better understand their role in the family, society, and the world of work,” Burmaster said. “The businesses who provide quality work-based learning experiences for all students make a valuable contribution to a well-educated workforce and support our schools, our communities, and our state’s continued economic viability.”

Last updated on 3/27/2006