RCEDC Leadership Council Explores Career Connections for Young Talent in Racine County
Burlington, RUSD, Union Grove, and Waterford schools present workforce-focused programs
LOCAL EDUCATORS SHARE INSIGHTS
Sturtevant, WI – At the October 14, 2025, RCEDC Leadership Council meeting, local educators in a panel discussion highlighted how Racine County high schools are equipping students for future careers and fostering connections with area employers.
The panel featured Amy Levonian (Burlington High School), Alexander DeBaker (Racine Unified School District), Tom Blair (Union Grove High School), and Nicole Werner (Waterford High School). Each panelist highlighted programs that give students hands-on experience, explore career pathways, and strengthen community partnerships.
BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL: PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Burlington High School offers initiatives such as Annual Opportunity Day, Reality Days for juniors, youth apprenticeships, and dual credit programs. Amy Levonian highlighted the “Be a Good Human” soft skills campaign and business donations, including welding equipment from Lynch Company and a vehicle from Miller Motors. She further highlighted the outstanding recognition of the youth apprentices by Advocate Aurora.
RUSD ACADEMIES: CAREER PATHWAYS AND CAPSTONE PROJECTS
RUSD’s Academies of Racine Program, led by Alex DeBaker, helps students identify career pathways early. Students engage with local businesses, nonprofits, and advisory councils through site visits, youth apprenticeships, dual credits, and capstone projects. A partnership with Fischer USA led to a student-created product and an apprenticeship placement. Fischer USA’s managing director, Ryan Brath, recognizing the mutual benefit of providing relevant training to students, donates one of his senior staff members as an instructor to RUSD.
Union Grove High School highlighted two work-based learning options: a flexible work-study program that allows students to earn income while gaining life skills, and a structured state-certified youth apprenticeship program with dedicated training oversight. Students earn competitive wages while gaining valuable experience in local businesses.
Waterford Union High School offers dual enrollment courses with UW-Whitewater, UW-Oshkosh, and Gateway Technical College, including programs in art, education, and healthcare. Nicole Werner highlighted that the dual enrollment programs can save families up to a year of college tuition. She also spoke about the hands-on training provided to students who enroll in internships.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Panelists noted challenges such as limited funding, insurance restrictions for students in manufacturing settings, and the need for more business partners and qualified instructors. They encouraged employers to get involved through mock interviews, site visits, advisory councils, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Each school has a designated Career and Technical Education (CTE) contact to coordinate employer engagement: Ben Hendricks (Burlington), Academy Coaches (RUSD), Travis Wetzel (Union Grove), and Amy Meyer (Waterford).
All districts emphasized workforce readiness, including mandatory financial literacy training. Tools like the My Life app give students practical experience in budgeting and real-world life skills.