School Districts of Random Lake, Oostburg, Kiel, and Elkhart Lake Partner with Local Businesses to Prepare Students for the Future
Random Lake, WI — A groundbreaking partnership between the School Districts of Random Lake, Oostburg, Kiel, and Elkhart Lake, along with local industry leaders Krier Foods, Sargento, Master’s Gallery, and Ameriquip, has been recognized by the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA) organization for their innovative solution. This collaboration focuses curriculum on mechatronics, industrial robotics, industrial controls, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT).
The initiative, designed to equip students with the skills needed for the rapidly evolving workforce, combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience in cutting-edge industries. By working with local businesses, students are able to apply what they learn in real-world settings with classroom projects, facility tours, and Youth Apprenticeships.
“This collaboration is a powerful example of how schools and industry can come together to create meaningful learning opportunities for students,” said Dr. Mike Trimberger, Superintendent of the School District of Random Lake. “We are not just teaching students about the future; we are providing them with the skills and experience they need to succeed in it.”
“By working with schools in our community, we’re helping to shape the workforce of tomorrow,” said Anne Troka, senior manager of community and workforce development at Sargento. “This partnership is about more than just providing financial support. It’s about providing the time for our professionals to work together to develop programs that give students the skills they need to thrive in high-tech fields and contribute to the success of local industries.”
The nearly $800,000 raised from the eight co-op partners and matching grants have funded the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, provided training for educators, and supported the development of new curriculum pathways. These resources are shared among the districts, ensuring that students from Elkhart Lake, Kiel, Oostburg, and Random Lake all have access to the same high-quality educational opportunities.
“As a cooperative effort, this collaboration is not just benefiting one school or district,” said Kevin Bruggink, Superintendent of the Oostburg School District. “By pooling our resources and working together, we can offer a level of education that none of us could achieve alone. This partnership allows us to invest in our students and our community in a way that is truly forward-thinking.”
The Industry 4.0 collaboration represents a new approach to education—one that recognizes the importance of partnerships between schools and industry. As technology continues to reshape the workforce, programs like this one will be critical in preparing students for the demands of the future economy and we are honored to be recognized for this hard work.
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