The Heart of Wisconsin area is home to outstanding educational and training facilities that offer area employers access to some of the state's finest graduates. Our public and private K-12 schools prepare students to enter the workforce or one of the area's colleges or universities. Businesses can utilize customized training options and state and regional workforce development programs (Workforce Training and Education Cluster). Contact the Heart of Wisconsin to get more information on these options. 

Partners In Education

Wisconsin Learning Center

The mission of The Wisconsin Learning Center (WLC) is training and workforce development. Representing a partnership between UW-Stevens Point and Mid-State Technical College, the WLC is central Wisconsin’s most experienced resource for Business and Industry training. Businesses and organizations that invest in employee training realize positive results.

Wisconsin Manufacturing Excellence Partnership

Finding ways to help manufacturers grow! 
The Wisconsin Manufacturing Excellence Partnership (WMEP) assists manufacturers in Wisconsin to improve productivity, profitability, and competitiveness. Staffed by business and manufacturing experts, WMEP is affiliated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership and is supported by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Wisconsin Technical College System, and the University of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Customized Training Programs

• The Customized Labor Training (CLT) Program was designed to assist companies that invest in new technologies or manufacturing processes by providing a grant of up to 50 percent of the cost of training employees on the new technologies. The program's primary goal is to help Wisconsin manufacturers maintain a workforce that is on the cutting edge of technological innovation.
   
• The Business Employees' Skills Training (BEST) program was established to help small businesses to upgrade the skills of their workforce. Under the BEST program, applicants receive a tuition reimbursement grant to help cover a portion of the costs associated with training employees.

Community Leadership Program

The community leadership program provides interactive, experiential educational and skill building opportunities that enable people to better understand themselves, their community and their personal roles as leaders. It aims to establish strong communication skills and channels among participants and community leaders and to encourage community volunteerism and service on non-profit boards. A key element of the program design is to introduce participants to community/business leaders and resources and create a network of leaders as catalysts for positive change. 

Thank you to these Community Leadership Program sponsors:

Here is what past participants have said about
the Community Leadership Program...

“I found the Leadership Program both informative and beneficial. It has motivated me to get more involved in my community."   -- Sara Riemer

“The Leadership Program provided an opportunity to network with other future community leaders who have similar goals and concerns."  -- Lonnie Reetz

 

Program Goals

• Energize new and existing leaders who have the vision, knowledge and skills to guide the Heart of Wisconsin area through the changes of today and into tomorrow.
• Promote community leadership and create a network of people to share creative ideas and promote community action. 

Key Skills and Knowledge Learned

• Organizational and community leadership skills
• Personal and interpersonal skills
• Local economic development and local/county economy
• The basics about local, county and state government
• A solid background on issues related to:
  • Education
  • Health and Human Services, Family and Youth
  • Governmental Systems
  • Economic Development
• Hands-on Leadership Skills including
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Working with Groups
  • Influencing Change
  • Networking

Who should participate?

• Anyone interested in community involvement.
• Anyone interested in enhancing skills of leadership.

What is the Time Clocked ommitment?

One 1 1/2 day retreat and seven 1 day sessions, community service project, plus ending graduation program, spread over eight months. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.

This program will also provide participants with opportunities to interact with various community leaders.

Applications
Corporations, individuals, organizations or other businesses may nominate applicants. Forms will be sent directly to the nominated applicants when requested.

Tuition Fees
$595, Scholarships may be available for not-for-profit participants to cover the entire cost of the course. Any individual involved in a non-profit, non-governmental organization may apply. Selection will be done by the Leadership Advisory Board.

Applicants are expected to show a commitment to the program through regular attendance. Class members will automatically be dropped, with no refund, after two (2) absences.

Contact Information
Jane Borek, Education & Finance Director
Direct Line: 715.422.4859
Email: jborek@heartofwi.com

Leadership Graduation Sponsorship Opportunity