Dodge County official outlines workforce efforts, proposes 'Classroom to Careers' fund to help schools participate

Morgan Mookie, representing Dodge County Community Development, told the Watertown Common Council the county is addressing workforce challenges by strengthening partnerships among education, employers and government and by supporting programs that expose students to local career opportunities.

Mookie outlined several initiatives: the INSPIRE program (which connects students to career professionals for mentorships and classroom visits); youth apprenticeships for high school juniors and seniors that combine work and credit-bearing education; GPS Education Partners (regional education centers such as a Beaver Dam facility where students split time between classroom learning and employer work); and the Manufacturing Business Alliance, which organizes facility tours for students. Dodge County also ran a rotational paid county internship last summer that placed three interns across nine departments to showcase local-government career paths.

Mookie said the county is drafting a Classroom to Careers fund to help local school districts cover costs associated with participation in these programs — for example program fees and transportation. He said the Beaver Dam Area Foundation has committed a $1,000 startup donation and that the county will seek additional funds from employers and foundations.

During council questioning, Mookie said the youth apprenticeship and GPS programs generally involve juniors and seniors. He also said he coordinates with a Jefferson County counterpart, Nate Olsen, and that county partners vary by geography, which affects tour logistics and transportation.

Council members asked for follow-up collaboration between Dodge and Jefferson counties and recommended greater representation of Watertown on county workforce materials and websites. Mookie said Dodge County is reviewing website presentation and would continue outreach to improve local representation.