Innovative.

Immersive.

Impactful.

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ATTACHMENT 1

OUR Model Is the solution

At GPS Education Partners (GPS), we offer an innovative solution for employers, schools and students. We are the bridge that connects education to employability. Our model successfully combines immersive, applied learning with a blended delivery structure that prepares students for success in technical careers. The GPS model also promotes viability for business. Through our partnerships with school districts, community/technical colleges, and employers, we provide next generation career pathways.

GPS’ accelerated technical education solution addresses the employability gap, and turns it into an education opportunity.

Our Model Stands OutWhy? Because working alongside adults and being mentored by them gives our students real-life skills and application on a day-to-day basis. It teaches them character and leadership skills early in their lives—extending throughout the educational continuum, from K12 to postsecondary education to employment. Students who participate in the GPS model also gain a professional network, nationally-recognized industry certifications, and a strong work ethic that follows them throughout their careers.

Employers in the technical field are faced with many challenges as they look toward the future. An aging workforce, rising employability gap, and an increase of disinterested youth in the field are top concerns.

Schools are struggling to keep students engaged and to prepare them for viable employment after graduation.

More and more students are seeking unique educational experiences that are applied, opportunity-focused, and will lead to family-supporting careers.

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about usGPS began in 2000 with one business, one school, and five students. Since then, we have served nearly 400 students, and partnered with more than 100 businesses and 43 high schools.

As an educational product company, GPS is the only statewide Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship Program in Wisconsin. Our innovative approach includes education, business and community partnerships to accelerate technical-skilled careers. We offer a competency-based curriculum aligned to business, industry and post-secondary standards. GPS assists a bevy of students who work in business settings; hence, giving businesses the chance to drive the future workforce.

Our MissionGPS Education Partners is an innovative education model that uniquely prepares students to succeed in technical careers and promotes viability for business.

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Nearly 50 percent of our graduates pursue postsecondary education, full-

time or part-time

80 percent of our graduates work in manufacturing, and work for the

companies they trained at as students.

our ImpactOur impact is far reaching. Students who enter our program gain life-long skills that increase their employability, and prepare them for new, exciting challenges that await them after graduation. Schools and districts that partner with us improve their graduation rates, and provide a different method of learning to serve the varied needs of students. Our community/technical college partners have access to interested students and a network of employers. Businesses who join us create a talent pipeline they can influence, mold and shape to be potential future employees. And the communities we live and work in share our success of educating and employing residents who positively contribute to their local economies.

90 percent graduation rate & nearly 400 graduates

95 percent attendance rate

Commitment to the Community

GPS students pay it forward through their participation in service learning projects throughout their local communities. They work with a variety of local nonprofits to help make a difference. Collectively, their community service hours totaled over 15,000 in the last three years.

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Proven successPartnering with GPS Education Partners means investing in a credible solution—a solution that is tailored to match the unique needs of your organization.

With our partners we build a structured, competency-based curriculum that result in students learning the essential skills and knowledge they need to excel in the workplace. Together, we open the doors and minds of students, and create an environment conducive to learning and honing a desirable skill set.

When you partner with GPS Education Partners, be assured your investment is going toward the solution. Last year our organization was awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. We re-ceived this top distinction for sound fiscal management practices and our com-mitment to accountability and transparency. GPS is also a nonprofit that spends more on its programs than overhead costs. In fact, 85 percent of our revenue is allocated to our program offering.

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Looking ForwardGPS Education Partners has an aggressive growth strategy. Within the next five years, we plan to expand our educational product offering nationally, and enter into new industries including supply chain management and information technology. Our goal by year 2020 is to more than double our education centers, launch an adaptive learning management system, and graduate thousands of students prepared to enter the technical and technology fields. Our expansion will allow more students and partners to reap the benefits of the GPS model—a model that has already proven successful for many. Hear it for yourself, below.

“The program has taught me self-discipline, responsibility and maturity. I’ve built up a lot of technical skills in the program and found new career paths that I I hadn’t previously considered.” -Robert Nuti, GPS Alumnus, Class of 2015

“In this program I have been given opportunities that are unimaginable in a regular high school environment.” -Tristan Heitkemper, GPS Alumnus, Class of 2015

“When students are in the GPS program, companies treat them as an employee and part of the team environment. This process helps students that are truly interested in manufacturing grow and become good employees in our industry.” -Roxanne Betts, Training Coordinator at Signicast, GPS Partner

“GPS Education Partners is a model program for the nation, helping youth enter promising career pathways in the exciting world of advanced manufacturing.” -Leo Reddy, Chair and CEO of MSSC, GPS Partner

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The GPS TeamStephanie Borowski, PresidentStephanie Borowski is the president of GPS Education Partners. She spent 16 years at Generac Power Systems, Inc., leaving as the vice president of human resources. Under her leadership at GPS, the nonprofit has experienced significant growth in the education and technical fields, and continues to expand its reach nationwide. Stephanie graduated from Carroll University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and business.

Andy Hepburn, Chief Innovation OfficerAndy Hepburn is the chief innovation officer at GPS Education Partners. He has more than 20 years of education experience, and has held various roles including teacher, school administrator and principal. At GPS, Andy leads the strategic planning and organizational development initiatives. He holds a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in history and secondary education.

Kilby Williamson, Chief Marketing & Development Officer Kilby Williamson is the chief marketing and development officer at GPS Education Partners. He has more than 15 years of business transformation experience, and most recently was responsible for the global manufacturing strategy and operational excellence at Johnson Controls. At GPS, Kilby leads the marketing and fund development initiatives. He has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Clemson University and an MBA from Michigan State University.

Matthias Bollmus, Director of Finance and Operations Matthias Bollmus is the director of finance and operations at GPS Education Partners. He spent five years in the financial services industry as a director, and most recently was a full-time faculty member in the MBA program at Carroll University. Matthias oversees the financial and operational management and expansion strategy for GPS. He holds a doctorate in strategy and finance, and an MBA in finance both from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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Contact GPS Education Partners

Online. gpsed.org

EmaiL info@gpsed.org

Call 262.226.2001

Mail GPS Education Partners 13000 West Silver Spring Butler, WI 53007

join the solution today

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