UW-Parkside Receives National Recognition in Forbes for Workforce Development Initiatives

Published: August 16, 2024

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been nationally recognized in a recent Forbes article for its innovative approach to workforce development and collaboration with local businesses.

The article, titled "Colleges, Companies, And Communities Are Working Together To Improve Higher Ed," highlights UW-Parkside's involvement with Higher Expectations for Racine County, working with educational, business, and community partners to improve outcomes for young people across the region.

It also highlights the Parkside Promise Plus program, which covers any tuition not covered by federal and state grant aid and scholarships for Wisconsin students with limited resources.

The Forbes article underscores the university's commitment to creating practical, real-world learning opportunities for its students. It notes that these collaborations are not only enhancing the educational experience but are also driving economic growth in the region.

"Taken together, the work in these communities tells a national story of progress: Colleges, companies, and communities pulling together to find what works-for everyone," the article writes. "These partnerships, once mostly seen as outliers, are now a must-have if we are to build a strong workforce for the future."

This national recognition from Forbes highlights UW-Parkside as a leader in higher education innovation, particularly in the area of workforce readiness. These efforts demonstrate a successful model of how academic institutions can partner with the private sector to create mutually beneficial outcomes for students, employers, and the community.

This work aligns with the vision of Chancellor Lynn Akey, who assumed leadership of UW-Parkside in January 2024. Dr. Akey's vision includes advancing the institution's mission to meet the educational needs of learners in Southeast Wisconsin and beyond. She advocates for a shift from being a "provider" of education to becoming a "partner" in education. Dr. Akey will be inaugurated as the seventh chancellor of UW-Parkside on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Read the full Forbes article.