[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR GPS EDUCATION PARTNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GLENN GROTHMAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 22, 2023

  Mr. GROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, GPS Education Partners (GPSEd) is a 
nonprofit organization that carries out innovative advancements in the 
development and work readiness of our next-generation workforce. The 
program has served Wisconsinites for 23 years, graduating over 1,100 
students, 35 percent of which have either a cognitive or physical 
disability. The program prides itself on achieving a 97 percent 
graduation rate with students obtaining accolades such as industry-
recognized certifications to students' pursuing full-time or part-time 
post-secondary education paths.
  GPSEd partners with 200 students each school year serving both first-
year juniors and second-year seniors. The program discovered that high 
school students found difficulty in connecting their education to an 
attainable career. As the gap for skilled workers continues to expand, 
GPSEd encourages the pursuance of technical careers within various 
industries. Bridging efforts between educators, communities, and 
businesses fuses the change that GPSEd strives for.
  Through the utilization of an accelerated program, GPSEd is able to 
properly prepare students for technical careers in a more efficient and 
effective manner compared to traditional pathways. Each student is 
given a specialized, unique solution that enables them to become their 
own emergent leaders at the conclusion of the program. Effective 
employer engagement practices have assisted in the expansion of 
employer involvement within GSPEd's programs. Due to a lack of exposure 
and quality training, nearly 94 percent of students are uninterested in 
skilled trades. However, 85 percent of the students enrolled in GSPEd 
pursue technical careers following their exposure to work based 
learning.
  It is encouraging to see organizations such as GSPEd educating our 
youth to the ample amount of opportunities the career and technical 
field can provide. Too often, students find themselves pressured into 
seeking four-year college degrees. It is time to reaffirm students that 
job training programs, apprenticeships, and career and technical 
education are fields that are at a high demand with employers eager to 
fill positions. I want to extend my gratitude to GSPEd for carrying out 
this important mission.

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