WCTC's Dual Enrollment Academy: Honorable Mention recipient of National Career Pathways Partnership

Waukesha County Technical College’s Dual Enrollment Academy (DEA) is an Honorable Mention recipient of the National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) Career Pathways Partnership Excellence Award.

The award emphasizes the importance of career guidance and advising, professional development for educators and employers, and the employer role in providing work-based learning opportunities for students. WCTC will receive award recognition and give a presentation about the Academy’s successes at the annual NCPN conference in Dallas in October.

"We’re thrilled the Dual Enrollment Academy has received this national recognition,” said WCTC President Kaylen Betzig. “The success of the program is evidenced through the attitudes of the students, who commonly state that DEA is the best thing that has ever happened to them. Participating in college level courses has opened the door to opportunities that these students never considered achieving.”

DEA allows high school seniors to earn technical college credits while they develop in-demand skills to enter the workforce. Currently, program options include Tool and Die/CNC, Welding/Metal Fabrication, Printing and Publishing and Baking and Pastry Production. The program is a collaboration between WCTC, eight local industries and thirteen high schools.

Ninety-five percent of this year’s DEA trainees graduated from the program, and 83 percent of the graduates gained employment upon graduation.

“Throughout the school year, students learn the value of hard work and dedication,” Betzig said. “They learn that they are capable of achieving goals they previously thought were out of their reach. Participation in DEA has set students on a career pathway that will provide lifelong opportunities.”

Other 2014-15 DEA statistics include:

• 40 of 42 students who began the program last fall graduated (95% graduation rate).
• 35 graduates are employed (83% employment rate). The other five are pursuing other plans, including two who are attending four-year colleges.
• Many graduates noted they are moving on to 2-year or 4-year degree programs.
• 13 National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certificates were awarded to the students in the manufacturing programs.
• Several students in the printing and publishing program attended a national competition in North Carolina and garnered national scholarships.

The Academy is supported by Wisconsin Fast Forward – Blueprint for Prosperity (WFF - BFP) grant funds. Governor Walker's WFF – BFP initiative was enacted in 2014 to expand the WFF grant program with an additional $35.4 million investment. Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development – Office of Skills Development, funding helps reduce technical college wait lists in high-demand fields, enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and support collaborative school-to-work projects. Learn more at: http://www.wisconsinfastforward.com/prosperity/.

About Waukesha County Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College, the leader in workforce development, prepares learners for success within the region and global economy. The college serves nearly 24,000 students annually and offers areas of study including associate degree, technical diploma, apprenticeship and short-term certificate programs. Customized training is also available for employers. To learn more, visit www.wctc.edu.