The School District of New Berlin created its Friend of Education Award to recognize groups and individuals who have had a significant impact on guiding the district's work in college and career readiness and workforce development.

We truly value the important work that these Friends have done - and continue to do - to further our mutual interests of ensuring our youth graduate ready to succeed in their chosen pathways.

2016-17: A.S. Pindel Corporation

A.S. Pindel Corporation was chosen as a Friend of Education Award recipient because of the manufacturer's dedication to enhancing students' real-work experiences. Specifically, A.S. Pindel:

• Always finds a way to say "yes" to SDNB requests
• Is committed to a win-win outcome for both students and business
• Offers industry tours, career days, career coaching, mock interviews and youth apprenticeships
• Partners with multiple Youth Apprenticeship consortiums to meet the needs of all students
• Is willing to support Youth Apprenticeship to Registered Apprenticeship bridge programming

2016-17: Waukesha County Business Alliance

Waukesha County Business Alliance was chosen as a Friend of Education Award recipient because of the organization's desire to serve the needs of the School District of New Berlin by:

• Promoting and supporting the role of K-12 school districts in economic development
• Collaborating around objectives shared by the SDNB and local businesses
• Serving as the ultimate connector by matching up SDNB needs with employer needs
• Playing a key role in the district's Schools 2 Skills events and manufacturing and healthcare career fairs

2016-17: UW-Waukesha

The University of Wisconsin Waukesha was chosen as a Friend of Education Award recipient in gratitude for its work with the School District of New Berlin to enhance postsecondary opportunities for students. Specifically, UW-Waukesha:

• Prioritizes student needs above recruitment goals
• Is willing to explore dual enrollment to expedite time to degree in select pathways
• Is willing to provide objective postsecondary advising
• Championed SDNB's UW Colleges in High School Associate's Degree program
• Is willing to collaborate on how to address perceived barriers to shared objectives 

2015-16: LindenGrove New Berlin

LindenGrove New Berlin was chosen as a Friend of Education Award recipient in gratitude for the health care organization's support of our district's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. Specifically, LindenGrove graciously:

• Donated $20,000 in equipment for on-­site CNA lab
• Provides staff to support clinical rotations
• Has a standing commitment to hire qualified students
• Provides opportunities to build employment skills for our students with special needs
• Offers job shadows and/employment for students interested in other operational/ care areas
• Participates in the Discover New Berlin event annually

2015-16: Community Career Connections, Inc.

Community Career Connections, Inc. was selected as an SDNB Friend of Education Award recipient because of the group's impact on the district's regional work. Specifically, Community Career Connections, Inc. and its President/CEO Karin Gratz Smith:

• Provided Academic and Career Planning (ACP) Mentorship (My Life! My Plan!)
• Broadened work to M7 Economic Development Region
• Modeled effective Business to Education partnerships
• Developed regional employer engagement strategies
• Informed the development of our Career and Service Learning program
• Champions Inspire of SE WI deployment
• Consistently exhibits all desired dispositions

2014-15: Waukesha County Technical College

WCTC was selected for the 2014-15 SDNB “Friend of Education” Award because of its support of the following regional efforts:

• Waukesha County School-to-Work consortium
• Waukesha County Youth Apprenticeship consortium
• Dual Enrollment Academy Program
• Youth Options and Course Options Program support
• Transcripted Credit Program (articulation, professional development, administration)
• Providing classroom speakers and career day volunteers

Our partnership with WCTC has provided valuable insight into the project labor market and the skills and dispositions that many students will need to ensure their future success. The college has provided programs and services that have broadened not only our perspective but also that of students and their families. WCTC provides needed regional programs and services that many school districts simply could not afford to develop and sustain independently. We consider WCTC a critical partner in our efforts to ensure that all of our graduates are truly “college and career ready.”

THANK YOU to WCTC for your great work!
 

2013-14: Junior Achievement of Wisconsin

The School District of New Berlin presented its inaugural Friend of Education Award in February 2014 to Junior Achievement of Wisconsin for its wide-ranging support at all grade levels.

In the elementary schools, Junior Achievement volunteers introduce financial literacy, work-readiness and entrepreneurship  in classroom lessons aligned with district curriculum. This year for the first time, SDNB participated in JA’s BizTown program,  which combines lessons with a daylong visit to a life-size, interactive town. Students learn how to become workers, producers and consumers as they run businesses, do banking,  serve as mayor and more. SDNB piloted BizTown last year with Elmwood Elementary 5th graders and will expand it to be district-wide in 2014-15.

In the middle schools, 8th grade students explore careers with Junior Achievement’s  “It’s My Future” program, learning about various jobs’ educational requirements, needed skills, salary ranges and more. At the high schools, Junior Achievement  helped organize Career Days in which about 60 classroom presentations were given by professionals in a wide variety of careers.