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
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 Tuesday April 1st, 2025. The winner will be presented with their award at the Chamber's Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration in September.
Click Here for the nomination form
Career Opportunities Expo`
This half-day event introduces 10th grade students to careers, career ladders and community role models. Students attend three of 11 moderated "career cluster" panels which are comprised of 4 to 5 individuals who are engaged in careers in that cluster. Students pre-select their top career interests and attend those panels that closely match their interests. These high school sophomores then have time in their remaining two years of high school to better plan and prepare for their career choices.
Life Skills / Game of Life Expo`
A one-day game of life for 8th graders, held at NWTC-Marinette Campus. The "game" gives kids a sneak preview of life's financial challenges. After selecting a career and imagining life at the age of 29 (with the assistance of their school counselors) students spend the day at the Expo` making decisions on how to spend their monthly income: they select and make payments on a house (including utilities, taxes and insurance) make car and insurance payments, buy groceries, pay the phone bill, etc. For most participants, it's an eye-opening experience. Area businesses – realtors, insurance agents, grocers, car dealers and others – participate in the effort, helping kids learn.
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 UW-Green Bay, 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.
Scholarships
Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarships
The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber Foundation will award financial scholarships to graduating high school students and/or community members from Marinette and Menominee counties who plan on attending a Michigan or Wisconsin public or private college/technical college.
The Education & Workforce Development Scholarship Committee anonymously reviews all submissions. The group determines winners based on involvement in school/workplace and community, as well as their essay submissions. Applications are due by Tuesday, April 1st, 2025. The winners are presented with their scholarships at their school’s award ceremony in Spring.
Please note: A copy of the students current or past high school transcript and/or college transcript is required with submission.
Future Focus Scholarship – along with application, submission of two essays are required. Essay Topic 1: “The Positive Outcome of our Investment in You” A scholarship is an investment in you! Explain how this investment will have a positive impact on you, your chosen industry, and on local communities. Essay Topic 2: “What Challenges do you see your local community facing?” What challenges do you see your local community facing, economic or otherwise, in the next 10 years? How would you, as a future leader in the community, respond to those challenges?
Click here for the 2025 "Future Focus" Scholarship Application
Healthcare Scholarship - for students pursing a career as a medical professional. Essay Topic: Why I Choose Healthcare; Medical personal are very much needed in our area, and around the world. Along with application submission, please include an essay on "Why you have chosen to work in the medical field, and what impact do you feel you can make to the future of healthcare".
Manufacturing Scholarship - for students enrolled in classes in the manufacturing sector areas of welding, machining (CNC), electro mechanical, industrial maintenance and fabrication, or engineering. Along with application submission, please include an essay on “The Positive Outcome of our Investment in You!” A scholarship is an investment in you! Explain how this investment will have a positive impact on you, your chosen industry, and on local communities.
Click here for the 2025 Manufacturing Scholarship application
Engineering Scholarships - The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber Foundation will award scholarships to students who are studying a field of engineering.
Click here for the 2025 Engineering Scholarship application
All scholarship applications are available through the above on-line submission links. Applications must be submitted by April 1st, 2025. 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>