Your source for monthly regional and statewide updates on Academic and Career Planning, Regional Career Pathways, and Career and Technical Education!

Upcoming Events
Feb 5 - Perkins Consortium CLNA Meeting #3 - Root analysis and goal setting.
Mar 3 - Youth Apprenticeship Steering Committee - location TBD
Mar 17 - ARC Network Meeting at Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce Center (MMAC)

Happy National Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month!

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to celebrate the impact of CTE and the educators who make it possible. This month’s newsletter highlights outstanding CTE teachers whose dedication and innovation are preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

ACP Updates

ARC Network Remaining Sessions

March 17, 2026     9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:  MMAC (Hybrid option available)
Topic:  Career Connected Learning with Catapult
Special Opportunity:  Following the network meeting, attend the MKE Esports Summit at the Milwaukee Panther Arena at No Cost! More details coming soon.

April 23, 2026        1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location:  Virtual
Topic:  WI Career Readiness Standards Implementation

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WI Career Readiness Summit
August 11-12, 2026
Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells
Visit the conference website for more information.

• Breakout Presenters Wanted!
• Proposal submissions are due by March 1, 2026
• Award nominations are open! Awards will be presented in the following categories: CTE Teacher of the Year, Luminary Award, Career Readiness Program of Excellence Award, and Industry Partnership Award.  Nominate a colleague today!
  

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WCRS Professional Learning Modules

Do you plan to use the new Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards professional learning modules to facilitate a PLC in your school or district?  If so, this supplemental resource is meant for you!  

The Leading Career Readiness Professional Learning Communities slide deck is full of strategies that will help you lead a successful PLC as well as a Career Readiness PLC Planning Template.

RCP Updates

Submit your CBLE Data to Career Futures Today!

Submit your first Semester Career Based Learning Experiences to Career Futures by January 16, 2026.  For every 10 CBLEs reported, earn $500 back for your district's RCP program. IT IS THAT EASY!

Share the power of the Career Futures hub with your staff through the CESA 1 Virtual Career Futures training, which can be accessed anywhere, at any time.

• Support the implementation of CBLEs and career connected learning in all classrooms across your district

• Record career based learning experiences and earn!

• Help CESA 1 grow its business directory and earn!

CTE Updates

Happy CTE Month!  How are you celebrating in your district? If you need a few ideas to get started check out the ACTE webpage.

Perkins Consortium Updates

• Please start submitting your claims on your budget spreadsheet as soon as you have the receipts. The final day to submit claims this school year is April 15, 2026.

Celebrate National Engineering Week (February 22-28, 2026) by inspiring students to "Reimagine the Possible" with Learning Blade's engineering career exploration resources!  Sign up for your free account of Learning Blades for opportunities available to educators in Wisconsin.  Access a variety of engaging Missions and Lessons that offer students an exciting glimpse into the diverse world of engineering.

FCS teachers! The Wisconsin Beef Council is excited to once again welcome you to apply for our Beef in the Classroom grant program. SPRING semester grant applications are open and due February 1, 2026! Program funds may only be used to purchase beef and veal (fresh, frozen or fully cooked). Fill out the Application form as soon as possible, applications are assessed on a first-come, first-serve basis until program funds are all accounted for.

Career Based Learning

FBI Workbased Learning

The FBI Milwaukee Field Office is offering a free opportunity for Wisconsin high school students to join the FBI Teen Academy and experience the world of law enforcement this summer at the FBI Milwaukee Field Office located in St. Francis, which is headquarters of the FBI in Wisconsin.

The Teen Academy is a five-day youth educational experience for high school students interested in law enforcement careers. The Teen Academy is presented by local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and FBI personnel. Students receive specific classroom presentations and practical exercises in investigative forensics, use of cyber technology techniques for combating violent crime, counterintelligence, gang awareness, civil rights, hate crimes and many other violations of state and federal law.  

How To Apply

FBI Milwaukee will be accepting applications for its 2026 Teen Academy March 2, through May 1, 2026 online at our Community Outreach page at the FBI Milwaukee website Milwaukee — FBI.

The Teen Academy will welcome high school students in grades 9 through 12 to join us on June 22-26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Please direct all questions to FBI Community Affairs Officer Leonard Peace EMAIL.

Biohealth Tech Hub - ABC Pathway Grant

High school seniors enrolled in a college/technical school related BioHealth program or students who graduated high school and are currently enrolled in a BioHealth program may qualify for funding support.  For more information.

Why WBL (Work-Based Learning)?  

As we head into high school scheduling season, check out this great article from ACTE that outlines the importance for work-based learning to maximize student potential as they learn that it is okay to change their minds on a potential career.  

WRTP | BIG STEP Summer Trades Academy

WRTP | BIG STEP is hosting the 2026 Milwaukee Summer Trades Academy this June.

Students will get exposure and explore the career options in the construction skilled trades by:

• Visiting trade halls and contractor facilities

• Watching live demonstrations

• Participating in hands-on activities

• Learning about the apprenticeship process in union construction

Please share this information with students who might be interested.   They will be hosting a series of Public Information Sessions. These sessions provide students and parents/guardians with an overview of the program, expectations, eligibility, and next steps.

If you are interested in hosting your own Summer Trades Academy Info Session please reach out to Alma Mercado EMAIL.

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Workhands Updates

OJL Guides Due: The first On the Job Learning Guide (OJL) is due by employers January 31, 2026. Please submit the OJL into Workhands. You will be able to track student progress from your instructor account. We have had great success with these being completed by employers.  Please take a look at how successful your students have been and celebrate their success at work!