- Fire science camps teach youth about safety, careers in emergency services, and the value of a college education
For generations, children have aspired to be fire-fighters and interest has grown in recent years. But most of these potential emergency response professionals aren’t aware of the skills and education they need to qualify for these jobs. UW-Oshkosh’s Office of Continuing Education and Extension offers two popular summer camps that introduce young men and women to emergency response-related careers. An impressive 100% of participants in 2005 say the program gave them a better understanding of their career choices, with 99% reporting improved proficiency in firefighting, teamwork, and leadership skills. The program—which places special emphasis on attracting girls, students of color, and economically disadvantaged youth—also teaches the value of obtaining a post-secondary education.
- RNs earn their baccalaureate degree @ home
Ten years after launching its first online class, the BSN@HOME program has awarded baccalaureate degrees to 445 registered nurses. Participants choose the program—offered specifically for Wisconsin nurses through the combined resources of five University of Wisconsin nursing schools—because they like the flexibility it affords them. Learning online allows them to get their degrees without disrupting their work or family lives. Furthermore, graduates of BSN@HOME say the program prepares them to advance in their careers. Many alumnae have either completed, begun or plan to enroll in a graduate nursing program.
- Small Business Development Center state network counseling services retain and develop Wisconsin’s businesses
The UW-Extension Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network provides one-to-one business counseling to help entrepreneurs and established businesses become more profitable, retain jobs and better compete in today's global market. Businesses receiving SBDC counseling increased sales by $113 million incrementally, created 1452 new jobs and retained 601. These businesses generated $ 4.6 million in state tax revenues, and obtained $1.7 million in financing, according to a recent survey.
- Social workers in northeastern Wisconsin meet certification requirements while learning how to better support their clients
A 1999 change in certification policy created a need for increased professional development opportunities for Wisconsin social workers. Since then, a workshop series in northeastern Wisconsin that was designed to fulfill this new demand has logged more than 5000 enrollments. Social workers who attended one recent workshop on women and alcohol say the program not only met their training requirements but also helped them to support their clients. The ongoing series is a collaborative effort between the social work and outreach departments at the UW-Oshkosh and the UW-Green Bay.
