Your Student Is Empowered To Succeed. You Keep Peace Of Mind.
Before we dive into how the program works, here are the three things Wisconsin families value most about partnering with GPS Ed:
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- Same High School Diploma: Your child remains fully enrolled in their home high school. They earn the exact same diploma, graduate with their class, and walk across the same stage. GPS Ed also holds Graduation events to celebrate our students.
- Keep High School Memories: Students do not have to give up being a kid. They can still participate in high school sports, clubs, dances, and extracurricular activities.
- No Registration Fees for Your Family: These costs are covered by GPS Ed school and business partners as well as grants and donations. There is a minimal cost for families to cover some additional student expenses. Staff is available to talk through payment options for families
Why Families Choose GPS Ed
This program helps students move through high school with more support, more purpose, and more opportunity. For parents, that means less worry about whether school is truly preparing their child for what comes next.
Students stay on track for a high school diploma
Learning connects more clearly to real work and future goals
Students build confidence, skills, and direction
Paid work experience helps students grow and contribute
Workplace mentors and GPS Ed staff provide support along the way
Students can still participate in high school activities
Students can move into work, an apprenticeship, technical education, or college after graduation
Complete Academic Support
We meet your student where they are. In our smaller, low-stress education centers, certified instructors work closely with students—including those with IEPs or credit gaps—to ensure they stay or get back on track to graduate.
Financial Independence & Dignity
Students aren't just doing busywork; they are entering a paid youth apprenticeship, earning $15–$17+ an hour during school hours. They build real professional confidence while learning high-demand trades like manufacturing, construction, and automotive tech.
A Guided Safety Net
Your child isn't just dropped into a job. They are wrapped in a support system of GPS Ed staff and trained workplace mentors who keep them accountable, safe, and motivated. Your student will also receive support as needed from their high school counselors.
A Complete Support System For Your Child
Your student won't get lost in the crowd. Our dedicated teams are there to guide their academic, personal, and professional growth.
Classroom Instructors
State-certified teachers who provide personalized, smaller-classroom academic instruction that fits your student's unique learning pace or IEP.
Work-Based Learning Coordinators
Dedicated GPS Ed staff members who oversee safety, coordinate school credits, and act as your primary point of contact.
Workplace Mentors
Trained, on-site company mentors who teach technical skills, professional habits, and real-world accountability.
Continuous Transparency
Regular report cards, progress updates, and open communication to keep you completely connected to your child's success.
GPS Ed Youth Apprenticeship
What To Expect From Start To Finish
From the first conversation to graduation, GPS Ed helps families understand what to expect and what role they play along the way. We offer the program to high school juniors and seniors, and we accept applications year-round. For the fullest experience, students should apply in the spring of their sophomore year so they can begin as juniors.
1
Discover and Align
You and your student explore our career paths and local Ed Centers together to see if a hands-on environment fits their learning style. If so, help them complete the easy application process.
2
Smooth Transition
Once accepted, our team works directly with your home high school to handle credit transfers and schedules. There is zero registration cost to your family.
3
The Daily Routine
Your student splits their day between personalized classroom academics and their paid apprenticeship. You will receive regular progress reports and updates just like a regular school.
4
The Launch
When your student completes the program, they will satisfy the high school diploma requirements and are ready to graduate with their class. They will be on a direct path to a full-time career or technical college.
Hear From Parents Who Have Been There
Watch how other Wisconsin parents overcame their hesitation and watched their children transform from disengaged students into confident, self-sufficient young adults.
Ready To Explore Next Steps For Your Student?
Whether you are still exploring or ready to help your student apply, GPS Ed can help you understand the program, the timeline, and the next steps.
Parent Resources And Planning Tools
Ed Center and Youth Apprenticeship Brochure
Find a Location
Example Academic Calendar
Questions Parents Ask
Here are some of the questions families ask most often when they are deciding whether this program is the right fit for their student.
Will my child still graduate from high school?
Yes. Students remain enrolled at their home high school and stay on track for a diploma while completing their daily program experience through GPS Ed. Students can also participate in their home high school graduation.
Can my child still be involved in sports or activities?
Yes. Students remain enrolled at their home high school and keep the same privileges as other students there. GPS Ed works with students and employers to try to accommodate school activities when possible.
e work experience part of their day, while others will commute to another business. Students do not attend classes at their home high schools.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day may include classroom time in the morning, followed by travel and workplace training later in the day. Schedules can vary.
How long is the program?
There are multiple entry points depending on when a student starts. Students who begin in the fall of junior year may complete a two-year experience, while others may enter later.
How much does it cost?
Starting in Fall 2025, there is no registration fee. Most of the experience is covered by school and business partners, grants, and donors. Families are still responsible for transportation and certain student consumables, such as extra uniforms, field trips, and work-related gear.
Do students get paid?
Yes. Paid work experience is part of the youth apprenticeship model. Students can make between $15–$17 an hour up to $20,000 or more.
Who supervises my child at work?
Students work under the supervision of a trained mentor employed by the business partner. Teachers and program coordinators stay in regular contact regarding progress and performance.
How will I stay informed about my child’s progress?
Parents receive updates on academic and workplace progress, along with direct communication when needed.
Can my child still go to college?
Yes. The program can still prepare students for college, and students can move into technical education, certification programs, apprenticeship, or a four-year college after graduation.
Who handles transportation?
Transportation to the classroom and workplace is generally the responsibility of the student and family.