University of Wisconsion - Eau Claire

UWEC

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Proposal

Career Venture Planning & Engagement Assistant

15 hours

Community partner: Guidance, Education, and Readiness (GEAR) Program
Supervisor: Anthony Goettl
Beginning date:
2025-05-07
Ending Date:
2025-05-09

Service-Learning Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer The Career Venture event is a large-scale, hands-on career exploration fair hosted by the GEAR Program (WIOA Youth), targeting over 2,100 middle school students from West Central Wisconsin. This event addresses the critical need for early exposure to diverse career pathways, helping students make informed decisions about their futures while bridging classroom learning with real-world applications. It also promotes regional workforce development by connecting students with local employers and educational institutions.

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer The GEAR Program, the local implementation of the federally funded WIOA Youth Program, aims to support education and employment success for youth and young adults aged 14–24. Through Northwood Technical College as the service provider, the program offers career guidance, skill development, and pathways to employment or postsecondary education, particularly for those facing barriers to success.

3.

What skills are required for this project? 

Answer The ideal student for this service-learning project will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be interacting with youth, educators, and professionals throughout the event. They should possess solid organizational and time-management abilities to effectively support various aspects of event coordination. A proactive and positive attitude is essential in this dynamic environment, as is cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with a diverse population of students and community partners. Professionalism and adaptability are also key, as the fast-paced nature of the event may require quick problem-solving and flexibility in meeting the needs of participants and exhibitors.

4.

What are the objectives for the student learning and service?

Answer Through this service-learning opportunity, the student will gain firsthand experience in event coordination and community outreach by actively supporting the planning and execution of a large-scale career exploration event. They will have the chance to develop valuable leadership, communication, and collaboration skills by working alongside professionals, educators, and peers. In addition, the student will deepen their understanding of workforce development and strategies for engaging youth in meaningful career exploration. This experience will also provide a platform for reflection on the broader impact of community service and the importance of mentorship in guiding young people toward future success. In terms of service, the student will play a key role in organizing and supporting the smooth operation of the Career Venture event. Their efforts will help create a welcoming and interactive environment for middle and high school students as they explore various career paths. The student will assist with logistics, including registration, exhibitor coordination, and on-site engagement with attendees. Their contribution will be vital in ensuring the success of an initiative that strengthens regional connections between education and career opportunities.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer The primary commitment for this service-learning project will be on the day before and the day of Career Venture. On Wednesday, May 7th, the student will work alongside the GEAR Program Director to gather supplies and assist with event setup. On Thursday, May 8th—the day of the event—the student will help with final preparations in the morning and then remain available throughout the day to support a variety of event needs. To ensure a well-rounded experience, the student will rotate through multiple roles, including but not limited to bus ambassador, registration and check-in, hospitality, student and exhibitor engagement, and supporting virtual reality activities at the GEAR Program booth. To conclude the experience, the student will meet with the GEAR Program Director on Friday for a debrief session. This meeting will offer the opportunity to reflect on the event, share feedback and suggestions for improvement, and discuss potential involvement in planning and executing Career Venture 2026, pending interest and approval.

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer The GEAR Program is eager to build a lasting connection with the student beyond the 2025 Career Venture event. We highly value student feedback and perspective as part of the event reflection process and in shaping future programming. We would welcome the student’s continued involvement in the planning and facilitating of Career Venture 2026. Should UWEC choose to extend the student’s service-learning hours, or should the student wish to stay involved on a volunteer basis, we would enthusiastically support their ongoing engagement and contributions. Additionally, the GEAR Program is in the process of becoming an approved internship site for UWEC’s social work department. Perhaps, other programs would be open to entering into the same agreement if any non-social work students were interested. As such, there may be future opportunities to transition this service-learning experience into a formal, paid internship for eligible students interested in youth services, education, or workforce development.
Center for Service-Learning • Old Library 2100 • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire • Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
A Unit of: Advising, Retention + Career Center
Phone: 715-836-4649 • Fax: 715-836-4023
Questions/Comments: srvlearn@uwec.edu
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