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DWD Secretary presents proclamation at Carmen Schools of Science and Technology in Milwaukee
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed November 2015 as Career Development Month in Wisconsin in support of efforts to educate students about in-demand occupations and ensure a robust talent pipeline for generations to come.
Today, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Reggie Newson visited Carmen Schools of Science and Technology in Milwaukee to launch the commemorative month and meet with students, educators, counselors, local workforce and education partners, and local technical college representatives.
“In Wisconsin we need proactive strategies to address the critical and growing need for skilled workers in our state today and in the future, and focusing on our existing talent is one important step,” Secretary Newson said. “During this month, we will highlight initiatives that bring career education into elementary and middle schools, such as academic and career plans, and help students explore career possibilities and think about their future.”
During Career Development Month, Wisconsin will highlight career pathways and programs that help students, teachers, parents, counselors and others learn more about prospects for in-demand occupations. Career Development Month was a subcommittee recommendation in the Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment’s 2014-18 Strategic Plan.
“Preparing our kids for success in the next stage of their life is critical to the future economic viability of our state,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “Milwaukee Public Schools, its top-notch educators, and their leader Dr. Driver, have been working over the past few years with local business and the higher education community to provide their students career and college experiences. That work has made them a valuable partner in piloting the department’s Academic and Career Planning initiative which works to help students explore and plan their pathways after high school.”
Carmen Schools of Science and Technology, which is part of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), has programs in place to help students prepare for success in college, their careers, communities and families. Students must achieve proficiency in scientific inquiry, creative discovery, and constructive problem-solving as they develop professional-level skills.
In addition to the programs at Carmen, MPS is one of 25 districts piloting Academic and Career Planning (ACP) in the 2015-16 school year. Governor Walker signed legislation to provide nearly $1.1 million to school districts to give each student in 6th-12th grade in the 2017-18 school year the opportunity to create an ACP based on his or her interests. Other programs include on-the-job training programs like Youth Apprenticeship and dual enrollment.
Read the Governor’s Proclamation for Career Development Month: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/newsreleases/2015/151102_career_development_month.pdf
