Karla Sanchez’s path from Park High School to engineering showcases the impact of hands-on learning and local opportunities in Greater Racine County.
Horlick High School graduate Halas Pufahl wasn’t sure what his future held—until he discovered Racine Unified School District’s (RUSD) IT youth apprenticeship. Starting with no experience, he gained hands-on training, mentorship, and confidence in essential skills like communication and problem-solving.
After completing an associate’s degree in Network Specialist at Gateway Technical College, Pufahl returned to RUSD full-time, supporting staff with IT issues and preparing devices for the district. He found fulfillment in helping the school community while continuing to develop his IT skills.
Photo of Karla Sanchez from RUSD's Alumni Spotlight article.
RUSD’s youth apprenticeship program provides students with career guidance, mentorship, and a $5,000 signing bonus for graduates who return after completing their degrees. Pufahl plans to advance into network administration and hopes more local companies invest in youth apprenticeships to build talent from within.
Explore Racine County’s resources for young professionals, including networking, leadership programs, and community initiatives, on Greater Racine County’s website.
