Waukesha County Business Alliance announces new foundation to support student workforce programs
The Waukesha County Business Alliance announced on Sep. 18 that it will establish the Waukesha County Business Alliance Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to enhance efforts in connecting K-12 students with career opportunities and strengthen the region’s future talent pipeline.
The Foundation will serve as an additional avenue for philanthropic support and investment in the Alliance’s student-focused workforce initiatives. While the Alliance will continue leading these programs, the Foundation aims to generate more funding and resources to expand their reach and impact.
Workforce challenges have been a consistent concern among local businesses, according to conversations between the Alliance and its members. The Foundation is expected to provide extra resources for expanding student-focused programming, especially by introducing K-12 students to careers in high-demand industries and connecting them with local employers. For 15 years, the Alliance has partnered with member businesses and schools on these initiatives, serving more than 3,000 students annually over each of the last two school years through its programming.
Current programs supported by the Foundation include Schools2SkillsTM—which connects students with local businesses for hands-on career experiences—Experience the Trades Expo, which allows exploration of skilled trades careers, and Discover Health Care Expo, which introduces students to healthcare professions through interactive activities. New offerings are being considered for 2027 in response to evolving workforce needs, including addressing demand for engineers.
“Building a strong talent pipeline doesn’t happen overnight,” said Amanda Payne, Waukesha County Business Alliance President & CEO. “It starts by helping students understand the opportunities that exist, giving them meaningful exposure to careers and connecting them with the businesses that need their talents. The Foundation gives us another avenue to grow this work and reach more students.”
The Waukesha County Business Alliance Foundation plans partnerships with businesses, schools, educators and community organizations throughout Waukesha County. “Waukesha County is home to innovative businesses and tremendous career opportunities across a wide range of industries,” Payne said. “Our goal is to make sure students know about those opportunities early... By investing in students today, we are helping strengthen the workforce our businesses will need tomorrow.” The official launch of the Foundation is planned for next year; further information will be available at www.waukesha.org.
The Waukesha County Business Alliance works as a countywide chamber representing over 1,200 member companies employing more than 120,000 people in diverse industries throughout Waukesha County; it focuses on driving economic growth through advocacy efforts supporting business interests, according to its official website.