- A focused master’s degree in Natural Resources/Environmental Education identifies and nurtures environmental education leaders
Primary and secondary education teachers throughout Wisconsin know they should and could be teaching environmental education to their students, but they often don’t know how. A master’s program in Natural Resources/Environmental Education (NR/EE) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has granted degrees to more than 150 teachers who are addressing this dilemma: they are training colleagues to integrate environmental education into K-12 curricula; developing plans to use district natural areas; creating student environmental clubs, and involving students in analyzing and solving community environmental problems. Teachers in this program eventually impact 15,000-20,000 Wisconsin youth to become better stewards of the environment.
- EXPLORE program helps migrant children achieve in school
UW-Stevens Point's EXPLORE program helps children of migrant workers in central Wisconsin set learning goals, succeed academically, and explore colleges and careers. Through enrichment activities, academic tutoring, and computer-based English tutorials, students keep up with school work so they can meet academic expectations at their grade level. Elementary and junior high school students are introduced to career choices and taught how higher education can help them achieve occupational goals. In 2005, 57 students participated in the program.
- Health career project for Hmong youth addresses a workforce shortage
At the same time, this population shift presents an opportunity. Officials at UW-Stevens Point realized that if newly relocated Hmong youth were recruited to health care jobs, these same youths could later treat their aging community members. Consequently, the Hmong Health Career Exploration project was developed to encourage Hmong teens to consider medical careers. Nineteen Hmong youth participated in the project’s hands-on workshops for a week in the summer of 2006. After completing the program, most indicated an interest in attending college and in pursuing medical training. Follow-up studies show that continued outreach may be necessary to sustain participants’ interest through high school.
- 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.
- Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program helps teachers spread the word on energy education
More than two thousand Wisconsin teachers have learned ways to incorporate up-to-date energy education activities into their classrooms since 1995 through the K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP). Teachers take part in an average of 22 courses each year, which in turn helps tens of thousands of students throughout Wisconsin appreciate the need to conserve energy and make changes in their lifestyle important to our state, nation and world.
