GPS Ed Program Overview
GPS Ed’s Education Center & Youth Apprenticeship program is where hands-on education meets workforce development, helping students graduate with a clear career path and giving employers an active role in shaping local talent.
GPS Ed was launched in 2000, educating just five students from a single school and partnering with one business. Today, there are over 1,534 graduates from more than 50 school districts that have filled the talent needs of almost 100 businesses across Wisconsin.
One Impactful Program. Two Essential Parts
Fostering long-term regional growth and generational financial mobility by helping youth successfully enter the workforce upon graduation while providing employers with the local talent pipelines they need.
The Education Center
Students earn their diplomas while attending school full-time at an employer-hosted Education Center. GPS Ed aligns high school graduation requirements with rigorous industry standards, making courses more relevant and career-focused. Our instructors deliver tailored academic lessons that respect different learning paces and IEP accommodations in a small, personalized environment.
The Paid Youth Apprenticeship
Students spend part of their day in a paid youth apprenticeship with a local business partner. GPS Ed operates a statewide Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship Consortium throughout Wisconsin. Students gain hands-on technical experience, earn competitive wages, and build a workplace identity at their job site.
GPS Ed partners with high schools to enroll students who have a passion for technical careers or need to learn in a hands-on environment. We work closely with schools and business partners to align opportunities with student interests and aptitudes, ensuring positive outcomes for all.
What Students Graduate With
State-Issued Certifications
Earn a recognized Wisconsin DWD Youth Apprenticeship Certificate of Occupational Proficiency.
National Industry Credentials
Validate high-demand technical skills with credentials like the MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT).
Post-Secondary Readiness
Graduate with a high school diploma and a clear pathway straight into a career or higher education.
Essential Employability Skills
Learn technical skills alongside workplace communication, collaboration, financial literacy, safety, and team leadership.
Real Stories. Real Success.
See how our unique approach to education transforms students into confident, career-ready adults, and helps local businesses build their future workforce.
Daily Schedule And Locations
Each student’s day is divided between classroom learning at a GPS Ed Education Center and work-based training at one of our many business partners.
Although all learning and work are done outside of the students home school*, they must continue to play an active role in the students’ success. Academic lessons are delivered by a GPS Ed Technical Instructor and a mentor at the workplace is trained to assist students in their work-based training. Mentors also support, empower and teach students critical and applicable life-long skills. This approach also gives employees the opportunity to grow as leaders.
* Schools interested in students remaining on-premise for academic lessons should contact GPS Ed for program customization.
Contact us to see how you can get involved.
Learn more about our program by downloading our enrollment brochure.
GPS Ed Program Outcomes
GPS Ed was launched in 2000, educating just five students from a single school and partnering with one business. Today there are over 1,534 graduates from more than 50 school districts that have filled the talent needs of almost 100 businesses across Wisconsin.
Graduates Statewide
%
Graduation Rate
%
Earned YA Certificate of Occupational Proficiency
%
Passed National Career Readiness (NCRC) Assessment
%
MSSC Certified Production Tech. Pass Rate
%
Pursuing Technical Career at Graduation
%
Full-Time Employment Rate at Graduation
Program data represents a three-year average (2023–2025).
GPS Ed Education Center Leadership Team
Andrew Zimdars
Director of Partner Services
Andrea Roberts
Program Administrator
Katie Bohlin
Dean of Student Engagement and Outcomes
Stephanie Stuve
Student Support Coordinator
Kelley Cronkite
Student Recruitment & Database Administrator
Andrew Zimdars
Director of Partner Services
With over 15 years of experience in education, Andrew’s work has included being a K-12 educator, higher education recruiter and administrator, and most recently as a Partner Services Manager (PSM) at GPS Ed before stepping into his current Director of Partner Services role.
Andrea Roberts
Program Administrator
She was an Instructor for many years and helped open the GPS Ed Education Center that started serving students from Milwaukee Public Schools. She transitioned into the Principal role for GPS Ed’s immersive Youth Apprenticeship Program in 2019 after receiving her MBA in Educational Leadership from MSOE.
Katie Ish
Director of Marketing
Katie believes deeply in the power of education to change the trajectory of a person’s life. She is passionate about developing the next generation of creative talent and continues to serve as an adjunct instructor teaching college-level graphic design courses.
Stephanie Stuve
Student Support Coordinator
With over 15 years of experience in education, Andrew’s work has included being a K-12 educator, higher education recruiter and administrator, and most recently as a Partner Services Manager (PSM) at GPS Ed before stepping into his current Director of Partner Services role.
Andrew Zimdars
Director of Partner Services
With over 15 years of experience in education, Andrew’s work has included being a K-12 educator, higher education recruiter and administrator, and most recently as a Partner Services Manager (PSM) at GPS Ed before stepping into his current Director of Partner Services role.
Ready to Move Forward with GPS Ed?
STUDENTS/PARENTS
Apply Now
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Grow your Workforce
LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Make School Work for Every Student