One Program. Dual Impact
GPS Ed operates a statewide Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship Consortium throughout Wisconsin. We align high school graduation requirements with rigorous industry standards, allowing students to earn their diplomas while filling critical talent gaps for local employers.
How The Program Works
We partner with high schools to discover students who have a passion or need to learn in a hands-on environment. Students are evaluated thoroughly and placed with employers who have career pathways that align with their interests and aptitudes, ensuring positive outcomes for all.
The Shared Education Center
Students leave their traditional high school building to learn in a smaller, personalized GPS Ed environment. Our instructors deliver tailored academic lessons that respect different learning paces and IEP accommodations.
The Paid Apprenticeship
Students spend the second half of their day on-site with a regional business partner. They gain hands-on technical experience, earn a competitive wage, and build workplace accountability.
Generational Financial Mobility
Giving struggling youth the tools to earn family-sustaining wages immediately upon graduation reduces community dependency and fosters long-term regional growth.
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 stackable technical college credits and a clear pathway straight into a career or higher education.
Essential Employability
Master real-world communication, 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.
Proven Success. Measured Impact.
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
%
Full-Time Employment Rate
Program data represents a three-year average (2023–2025).
Ready To Move Forward
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