The Wisconsin Legislature established the Partners with Business initiative to assist businesses interested in employing people with disabilities using an evidenced-based coaching model. During the past state fiscal year, Partners with Business provided grant funds and coaching to 18 businesses and supported employment organizations. Our new grantees have just been announced for 2024-2025. You can read a short description of their projects below along with the 2023-2024 annual report to the legislature.
New Partners with Business grantees for 2024-2025:
The School District of Beloit will host an “Amazing Race.” This event will connect students with local businesses and expose them to various careers and volunteer opportunities. Businesses will learn about students, their abilities, and how they could contribute to the workplace. The district also plans to bring students, families, employers, and community members together to learn about resources and opportunities available in Rock County.
DeForest Area High School wants to establish robust partnerships with local businesses to expand student employment exploration and work opportunities. Through presentations to the Chamber of Commerce and other groups and by hosting a networking event for businesses.
Engauge Workforce Solutions, Inc. located in Menomonee Falls provides recruitment and staffing for manufacturing companies. Engauge aims to increase the number of neurodivergent job seekers who are connected to careers in manufacturing by providing specialized training, a hands-on approach, and support.
Pewaukee School District will host an “Amazing Race” which provides a platform for employers to actively engage with high school students. This event will strengthen relationships with community employers, showcase the skills and potential contributions students can bring to the workplace, and lead to increased job opportunities.
Pulaski High School will host an “Amazing Race” which provides a platform for employers to actively engage with high school students. This event will strengthen relationships with community employers, showcase the skills and potential contributions students can bring to the workplace, and lead to increased job opportunities.
The Fort Atkinson Club is a nonprofit center that aims to be a space for all to come together through education, arts, wellness, business, and community events. The center strives to serve the entire community and wants to be an inclusive employer that hires and supports employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their potential. To achieve these goals, Rock River Heritage plans to educate their team on how to authentically include and nurture employees with disabilities. The center also plans to host educational events for the broader community on employment for people with disabilities.
Central and Logan High Schools of the School District of La Crosse will host an “Amazing Race” which provides a platform for employers to actively engage with high school students. This event will strengthen relationships with community employers, showcase the skills and potential contributions students can bring to the workplace, and lead to increased job opportunities.