GPS Education Partners

09/18/2026

Last week, our newest students at the Weldall Education Center toured Pressed Metal Corporation in Waukesha, getting a firsthand look at what a career in manufacturing can look like. The team even plasma-cut Halloween ghost yard decorations for every student who came along, a small touch that made the day feel special.

Thank you to Pressed Metal Corporation for hosting our students for the day!

09/11/2026

What a year it's been. Last spring, 125 students from our Education Center and Youth Apprenticeship Program walked across the stage, and they left with a lot more than a diploma; they left having discovered what they're capable of.

Our 2025–2026 Year in Review is up on the blog, looking back at everything this past year, from new partnerships to new milestones for our students. And we're already looking ahead to an exciting 2026–2027 school year.

Take a look at the full story here:

Ready for What’s Next: Education Center & Youth Apprenticeship Program 25–26 Review By Samantha Benitez | September 9, 2026 Last spring, 125 students walked across the stage not quite sure what came next. Now that the dust has settled and the numbers are in, one thing is clear: they left with mo...

08/28/2026

What a way to wrap up the summer!

Students from our Beaver Dam Education Center spent a day at the Dodge County Fair alongside residents of Hillside Manor. Together, the groups toured the grounds, met the animals, checked out local vendors, and enjoyed some fair food.

In the words of one of our instructors: it was "a wonderfully rewarding experience and a great way to cap off an amazing summer."

Moments like these allow students to show up authentically and see themselves as a valuable contributor to their community. That's the kind of growth that points them toward the future they're building, one where they know they belong.

08/21/2026

Before students in our Education Center Program start their youth apprenticeship, they go through Road to Employability, a hands-on course built to help them walk into a job ready.

Over four to six weeks, students practice everything from professionalism and communication to building a resume, filling out an application, and participating in a mock interview. It's not about memorizing rules, it's about rehearsing them through roleplay and real scenarios until they become second nature.

By the time students finish, they understand how to act professional in the workplace and how to apply for and get a job, exactly the kind of confidence that helps a first job turn into something bigger.

08/14/2026

A tradition our Education Centers look forward to every year: annual kickball tournament!

This week, students across our Education Centers came together for our annual kickball tournament, a small tradition that kicks off the year with some friendly competition and team spirit.

New student orientations are complete, and with our newest class now welcomed aboard, we're wishing all our students, new and returning, good luck this year.

08/07/2026

Our Always Learning, Always Evolving organizational value was on display at our recent Ed Center staff training days.

We're debuting the MecLab training system from Festo across our Education Centers, giving students hands-on experience with the technology that keeps modern manufacturing running. Through project-based work, students will explore how automation systems work, build and simulate models of industrial processes, and get into programming and digital control.

Students will also have the chance to earn an additional credential, one more way to show employers their technical knowledge.

Huge shout out to our staff for diving in and continually striving to learn more in service of our students. Stay tuned, students will be exploring these models next!

08/06/2026

Students are building real skills every day in their work-based learning experiences. But knowing a student is growing and knowing exactly what they're learning are two different things.

Steph Loeck (GPS Education Partners) and Dr. Chris Unger (Northeastern University) are teaming up to share how a 5–10 minute AI voice interview can help students put words to the employability skills they’re building through work-based learning – and give the educators and mentors around them real-time insight into how to support that growth.

No AI backgrounded needed. Just a real look at how reflection, paired with the right tool, can document a student’s growth over time.

Help us bring this session to SXSW EDU! ✅ Cast your vote by August 23: https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw27/community-voting-edu/page/community-voting/session/1784921091371001rc1N

07/24/2026

At GPS Ed, Partnership with Purpose isn't just a value we reference, it's one we live out every day in our Education Center program.

Business partners are essential to that work, helping build both student success and a skilled workforce in our communities. That's why every youth apprentice on the shop floor has a dedicated team of GPS Ed staff behind them, working to make sure both the student and their mentors succeed.

Our team is the first call for any concern, visits in person every month to track progress, and sits down twice a year for a full work review to set new goals. We also handle the paperwork and compliance that comes with hosting a student.

Students carry real responsibility too. They're accountable for their attendance, professionalism, and on-the-job skill building.

That mix, steady support paired with clear accountability, is what turns a placement into a launchpad. Students leave with experience and businesses gain a pipeline of talent they helped shape from day one.

07/15/2026

Today TMJ4 News stopped by our Lakeside Education Center in West Milwaukee to see work-based learning up close.

They spent time with GPS Ed staff, alumni, and a current student to see what our program looks like in action: students building real skills, earning real credentials, and stepping into careers while strengthening Wisconsin's workforce.

Take a look at the full story here: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/in-your-community/milwaukee-county/how-one-wisconsin-program-turns-high-school-students-into-the-skilled-workers-businesses-need

Thank you to TMJ4 for highlighting GPS Ed, and to our staff and partners who help Make School Work™ for students every day.

07/14/2026

Great day connecting with our community!

Yesterday, Andrew and Karen were out at the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament, where GPS Ed hosted a Tee Box.

It was a fun chance to connect with fellow Chamber members and community leaders, and share how GPS Ed works with local businesses in the skilled trades to help students find real opportunities close to home.

Thanks to the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce for a great event, and to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

Interested in partnering with GPS Ed? Get in touch with us here: https://gpsed.org/contact/