“Be the Spark” – a program designed to introduce 7th grade MPS students to careers – kicks off 5th year on October 10 at Mitchell Airport

Milwaukee – MMAC/COSBE will kick off its fifth year of the Be the Spark program on Wednesday, October 10.  Milwaukee Public Schools’ Interim Superintendent Dr. Keith Posley will welcome students of Victory K8 School at 11 AM to Southwest Airlines at Mitchell Airport. Southwest has served as a foundational sponsor since the program’s inception. Each year, the airline has hosted the kickoff event, providing a 90-minute tour of its operations and facilities at the airport and introducing students to a range of careers.

The “COSBE Be the Spark” program grew out of the understanding that the success of local businesses – and the entire region – depends on a strong and sustainable workforce. As part of the 7th grade “Learning Journey” opportunity for every MPS 7th grader, students participate in a 90-minute career tour at a business in the Milwaukee region. Last year more than 3,000 students toured 75 businesses.

For more information:
Stephanie Hall
Executive Director of MMAC's Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE)
(414) 287-4139

“Education is more than just curriculum and report cards.  And a job is more than just a paycheck,” commented Alexis Deblitz, project manager for the Spark program. “Through Be the Spark, educators and business leaders are learning they have similar goals.”  
 
Students who participated in the Spark program’s pilot year (2014-15) are now juniors in high school.  “We are in the process of connecting with those students, in hopes they are ready to expand their career-based learning with programs like youth apprenticeships and internships,” stated Antonio Rodriguez, MPS STEM Coordinator.

“Southwest is excited to continue our partnership with COSBE’s Be the Spark program,” said Ana Schwager, Southwest’s Regional Leader of Community Affairs & Grassroots. “Whether in the air or on the ground, Southwest is committed to giving back to the communities we serve and investing in initiatives that help empower people to get their careers ready for takeoff."
 
COSBE’s Be the Spark program is funded through support from several local and nationally recognized firms:  Waukesha Metal Products, Superior Support Resources, Inc., Tredo Group LLC, Southwest Airlines, Meijer, and Riteway Transportation.