How GPS Ed Helped MPS Build Work-Based Learning Programs
When Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), one of Wisconsin’s largest urban districts, struggled to meet state standards for student participation in work-based learning, they faced significant challenges. Limited career awareness, inadequate readiness skills, and difficulty in aligning schools with business opportunities made it hard to create meaningful pathways for students. But through their partnership with GPS Education Partners (GPS Ed), MPS was able to overcome these barriers and set up robust, high-quality work-based learning programs.
Addressing the Challenges
For a district as large and diverse as MPS, creating a system that engages students and partners with local businesses was no small feat. Many students lacked the career readiness skills and confidence to participate in work-based learning. To make matters worse, finding enough business partners to provide internships and apprenticeships was beyond the reach of the existing school staff.
That’s where GPS Ed came in. Acting as an intermediary, GPS Ed helped streamline the process, building systems to support the program and recruiting employer partners. They made it easier for students to gain career awareness and hands-on experience with businesses in the local community.
Discover How GPS Ed Transformed Work-Based Learning in MPS
In our detailed case study, you’ll learn how MPS, with GPS Ed’s support, implemented new work-based learning programs that have impacted nearly 800 students. The collaboration provided students with exposure to 13 local companies and over 10 organizations offering work-based learning opportunities.
