1. Opening: Vision & Why This Matters

• SDR Mission-Equity, Empowerment, and Excellence for all

• “At the School District of Rhinelander, we believe every student deserves a clear, supported path from the classroom to a fulfilling career.”

• “We’re not just preparing students for college or work—we’re helping them find their purpose through real-world connections, experiences, and relationships.”

2. The Power of Our Career Academies

• Academy Focus Areas: Health Care, Education, Business, Manufacturing & Trades, Human Services, STEAM

• Highlight Nursing, Trades, and Education

• Students choose an academy based on their interests and career goals, gaining exposure and experience in that field throughout high school.

• Each academy integrates:

• Aligned classwork, dual-credit courses, and possible Start College Now classes

• Access to job shadows, tours, and work-based learning.

• Clubs and associations like FBLA, HOSA, Educators Rising, SkillsUSA.

• Professional certifications and industry-recognized credentials.

3. What Makes Rhinelander Unique in Wisconsin-3 legged stool!

• Dedicated College & Career Counselor:

• One of the few districts in the state with a full-time counselor solely focused on guiding students through career exploration, course planning, and postsecondary transitions.

• Individualized meetings with every student, every year—career guidance isn’t a one-time event here.

• Collaborations with staff, staff PD with Career connections. Staff-student relationships impact future planning for most students.

• Special events-Educators Rising Signing Day (guaranteed interview), College visits, Career Fairs, and Staff and student field trips to Employer partners

• Senior Signing Day-May 1st A celebration of the post high school decisions for every senior-college, military, tech school, employment-https://www.wsaw.com/video/2025/05/01/rhinelander-high-school-ce lebrates-seniors-about-graduate/

• Partners in Education:

• Our employer network isn’t just supportive—it’s deeply engaged.

• Over 60 local businesses and organizations contribute through job shadow opportunities, classroom visits, internships, and advisory roles.

• A unified partnership model ensures that employers can support students in meaningful, sustained ways.

• Strong Higher Education Partnerships:

• Dual-credit courses and academy alignment with Nicolet College and UW-Stevens Point allow students to earn college credit and explore degrees while still in high school.

• These partnerships ensure that what students are learning in high school is directly relevant to future education and career success.

4. Real Opportunities, Real Outcomes

• Work-based learning for 11th and 12th graders, especially those needing non-traditional paths to graduation.

• Job Shadows

• Co-Ops

• Youth Apprenticeship

• Students leave high school with certifications, work experience, and a plan—whether it’s college, a trade, or immediate entry into the workforce.

5. Equity and Access for All Students

• Academies are designed for all learners—not just the college-bound.

• Special emphasis on supporting students at risk of not graduating with options that work outside the traditional classroom.

• In 24-25, we had 261 students earn over 1,000 credits at Nicolet College through Dual Credits and Start College Now

6. A Model for the Future

• Rhinelander is setting the gold standard for what career readiness looks like in a public school.

• Our approach is scalable, inclusive, and built on relationships—and it’s working.

7. Closing: Call to Action

• “If you’re a student, parent, business leader, or educator—there’s a place for you in our career academy journey.”

• “Let’s keep building a future where every every graduate knows where they’re going—and how to get there.”