Education & Workforce Development
Chair, Cindy Bailey - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
The mission of the chamber's Education & Workforce Development Committee is "to help promote and support business and education connections by organizing events to learn, share, and create an awareness and appreciation of what our communities offer." The following programs/initiatives are presented by the Education & Workforce Development committee:
Achievement in Education Award sponsored by Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust
Our Chamber developed this award as a way to highlight individuals that help to enhance the education of area youth within the Marinette/Menominee communities. The award is given annually to a PK-12 educator from Marinette or Menominee County. The nominations include, but are not limited to: significant contributions to education; leadership; enthusiasm and interests; and how the individual or program affected those involved. Nomination forms are available on-line by clicking the link below and must be submitted by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, August 20th, 2026. The winner will be presented with their award at the Chamber's Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration in September.
Mini Business World
This is an annual business simulation game for high school juniors and seniors from 7 area school districts. The one-day program, held at NWTC - Marinette Campus, gives students a taste of what it is like to run a large business. Students learn about financing, accounting, production schedules, marketing, human resources and other challenges faced when running a business. Business ethics and environmental stewardship are emphasized through presentations and skits, led by a business advisor volunteering from within the community. Each year the program serves 30-36 students.
Pathways Expo'
New! Pathways Expo' In January 2026, our annual Career Opportunities Expo' was combined with our annual Life Skills/Game of Life Expo' to create a brand new program called Pathways Expo'. We incorporated aspects of both programs into the new event and invited approximately 450 area 10th-grade students to attend this career-focused program. The goal of our streamlined effort was to make it more convenient for schools, students, and our business volunteers to fit this day into their schedules, allowing them to take advantage of this important business & education connection. This half-day event introduces 10th grade students to careers, career ladders and community role models. These high school sophomores then have time in their remaining two years of high school to better plan and prepare for their career choices.
Scholarships
Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded each year to students from Marinette County (WI) and Menominee County (MI) high schools who plan to attend a public or private college or technical college in Michigan or Wisconsin. The Education & Workforce Development Scholarship Committee reviews all applications anonymously. Recipients are selected based on their involvement in school and community activities, as well as the quality of their essay.
Essays must be 200–400 words.
The application is available online, and all materials must be submitted by Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
High school seniors selected for a scholarship will be recognized at their school’s spring awards ceremony.
Please note: A copy of the students current or past high school transcript and/or college transcript is required with submission.
Future Focus Scholarship – The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber Foundation awards this scholarship to students who demonstrate the leadership and forward‑thinking mindset essential to the future of our community. Students pursuing any field of study are eligible.
Click here for the 2026 "Future Focus" Scholarship Application
Healthcare Scholarship - The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber Foundation awards scholarships to students enrolled in programs that prepare them for careers as medical professionals.
Manufacturing Scholarship -The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber Foundation awards scholarships to students enrolled in manufacturing‑related programs, including welding, machining (CNC), electromechanical technology, industrial maintenance, plumbing, automation, building and construction, HVAC, and fabrication.
Click here for the 2026 Manufacturing Scholarship application
Engineering Scholarships - The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber Foundation awards scholarships to students pursuing studies in any field of engineering.
Click here for the 2026 Engineering Scholarship application
All scholarship applications are available through the above on-line submission links. Applications must be submitted by 4:00p.m. Wednesday, April 1st, 2026. The winners will be presented with their scholarships at their school's award ceremony in spring.
For questions, please contact Jenna Stubenvoll <jenna.stubenvoll@mandmchamber.com>