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 Awards
Our Chamber developed these awards to highlight individuals or program that help to enhance the education of area youth within the Marinette/Menominee communities. Awards are given annually and may include - a K-12 individual or educational program, from the Marinette and Menominee Counties. 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. Two letters of support are required for each nomination. Nomination packets are available at the Chamber office and must be submitted by Friday, March 31st, 2023. The winners are presented their awards at the Chamber's Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration.
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 preselect 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.
Chamber of Commerce Foundation "Future Focus" Scholarships
Scholarships are given out each year to graduating students that plan on attending a Michigan or Wisconsin public or private college/technical college; from Marinette and Menominee County high schools. The Education & Workforce Development Scholarship Committee anonymously reviews all submissions. The group determines winners based on involvement in school and community during all four years of high school, as well as their essay submissions. Application packets are available at the Chamber office or on-line and submissions must be postmarked by Friday, March 31st, 2023. The winners are presented with their scholarships at their school's award ceremony in spring.
Click here for the 2023 "Future Focus" Scholarship Application
Chamber of Commerce Foundation "Manufacturing" Scholarships
The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber Foundation will award scholarships to be given to a graduating high school student and/or community member from Marinette County and Menominee County that plan on attending a Michigan or Wisconsin public or private college/technical college, and are enrolled in classes in the manufacturing sector areas of welding, machining (CNC), electro mechanical, industrial maintenance and fabrication, or Engineering. 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. Application packets are available at the Chamber office or on-line and submissions must be postmarked by Friday, March 31st. The winners are presented with their scholarships at their school's award ceremony in spring.
Click here for the 2023 Manufacturing Scholarship application
Chamber of Commerce Foundation "Healthcare" Scholarships
The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber Foundation will award scholarships to be given to a graduating high school student and/or community member from Marinette County and Menominee County that plan on attending a Michigan or Wisconsin public or private college/technical college, and are enrolled in classes to become a medical professional. 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. Application packets are available at the Chamber office or on-line and submissions must be postmarked by Friday, March 31st. The winners are presented with their scholarships at their school's award ceremony in spring.
H.V. Higley Scholarships
The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce is the host of the H.V. Higley Scholarship. The Higley family established an endowment which awards two scholarships to Marinette High School graduating students. The Education & Workforce Development Scholarship Committee anonymously reviews all submissions. The group determines winners based on involvement in school and community activities during all four years of high school, as well as their essay submission. Application packets are available at the Chamber office or on-line and submissions must be postmarked by Friday, March 31st. The winners are presented with their scholarships at their school's award ceremony in spring.
Life Skills / Game of Life Expo`
A one-day game of life for 8th graders, held at the UW-Green Bay, 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.