OASD S2W 2023-24 Class
Oshkosh Students Embark on School2Work Experience

Immersive program prepares students for manufacturing careers

The Oshkosh Area School District is excited to announce the School2Work class of 2023-24! Next school year, 11 students from Oshkosh North and Oshkosh West will be engaged in this reimagined learning experience. The OASD’s School2Work (S2W) program - in partnership with area manufacturing companies and Fox Valley Technical College - provides an opportunity for high school seniors to earn their high school diploma while immersed in a paid capstone manufacturing experience. 

Incoming S2W students were able to tour the manufacturing facilities of partnering employers on April 19 and April 20. On May 3, students were interviewed by the employers to finalize their S2W assignment. Then during the month of May students - along with supportive adults and representatives from their business employer - took part in a S2W Signing Day. The celebratory signing events allowed students to put pen to paper and commit to making their career dreams a reality. Many students will begin their S2W Youth Apprenticeship position on June 5, while others will start on September 4. 

“This is an exciting time for our School2Work students and business partners,” said Alex Torres, OASD S2W program lead. “Not only will these students have an incredible learning opportunity to end their high school career, but they will graduate with the skills and firsthand experience to be successful in the workforce or continue their education with a leg up on their peers.”

The OASD’s S2W class of 2024 and employer partnerships includes:

Participating employers for the 2023-24 school year include: EVCO Plastics, Kingsbury Inc., Muza Metal Products, Muza Sheet Metal, Omni Glass & Paint, Oshkosh Coil Spring, Oshkosh Marine Supply, Quality Truck Care Center, Regal Rexnord, Wald Wire

The S2W program operates within the OASD's Career and Technical Education Department. The program builds from career exploration offered throughout middle school to provide high school students with elective opportunities in the Technology and Engineering Department as they refine their career interests. S2W students spend their senior year taking classes that meet their high school credit requirements but that have been reimagined and are taught through a manufacturing lens, getting paid to work for an area company for four hours during the school day, and attending technical courses at Fox Valley Technical College at the Advanced Manufacturing and Technical Center.

The school district first launched the S2W program in 2018. Since then, program leaders have embraced the opportunity to evolve to best meet the needs of students and area employers. Under the direction of Alex Torres, OASD S2W program lead, the program has grown in popularity with students and business partners. Fostering collaborative partnerships with area manufacturers has been critical and the support from these businesses is truly transforming education in Oshkosh. 

To learn more about the OASD’s School2Work program, visit oshkosh.k12.wi.us/school2work. There is still space for two more students for the 2023-24 S2W program. Current junior students (as of the 2022-2023 school year) are eligible. Students interested in learning more should contact Alex Torres, S2W program lead, at alexander.torres@oshkosh.k12.wi.us.

Business partners interested in learning more about the OASD’s School2Work and Youth Apprenticeship opportunities are welcome to contact Vicki Porior, OASD career and technical education curriculum coordinator, at vicki.porior@oshkosh.k12.wi.us.