Home — Regional Career Pathways

Regional Career Pathways

The Wisconsin Regional Career Pathways (RCP) approach is a statewide effort to deliver high-quality career pathways in high schools that reflect the needs and vision of a regional collaborative group of employers, education, and economic and workforce development.

The regional collaborative adopts, implements, promotes, and monitors high school career pathways in high-skill, in-demand industry sectors and acts as an advisory group on behalf of regional districts to identify and overcome barriers that prevent students in the region from accessing the pathway. In addition, the collaborative provides the support necessary for students to participate and complete a regional career pathway by:

  1. -Taking a sequence of aligned Career and Technical Education (CTE)
  2. -Earning an industry-recognized credential
  3. -Enrolling in dual college credit classes
  4. -Participating in work-based learning experiences
  5. -Accessing related CTE student organizations
Learn More

What are the Benefits of Regional Career Pathways?

  • For high school students, regional career pathways align education and training with the needs of the local job market, provide a range of postsecondary options, result in a high school diploma with at least one industry-recognized credential, and help students enter or advance within an occupation.
  • For schools, career pathways provide a specific ACP plan for occupations that are in demand in Wisconsin.This allows schools to focus on student and curriculum activities with input and support from regional employers and higher education.
  • For employers, regional career pathways make partnerships with a greater number of schools possible. This allows employers to shape the future talent pipeline, foster young talent, and highlight local career opportunities across an entire region.

Available Resources

  1. Pathways at each high school can be found in these folders 
  2. Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
  3. Architecture & Construction
  4. Business Administration
  5. Direct Patient Care
  6. Education and Training
  7. Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism
  8. Information Technology
  9. Manufacturing
  10. Non-Direct Patient Care
  11. Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

 

  1. North Central Career-Based Learning Experience (CBLE) Information
  2. 2023-24 Annual Data
  3. RCP District Directory

 

  1. Access Career Conversations Here:
  2. Women in IT
  3. Early Childhood/YMCA
  4. Educational Leadership: CESA Admin & Superintendent
  5. Business – Insurance
  6. Education: Principal and Counselor

 

Are you interested in hosting a Career Conversation?  Please reach out to Brooke Holbrook at [email protected].

Learn More

2024-2025 Focus

Pathways to Success

Discover how students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are thriving through youth apprenticeship programs. In this inspiring video, hear directly from students, parents, educators, and mentors about how hands-on opportunities are helping students overcome challenges, build confidence, and develop real-world skills. These success stories highlight the transformative power of focusing on strengths, creating pathways for independence and meaningful careers. Watch now to see how collaboration and support are making a difference for students and their communities.

“Excelling with Youth Apprenticeships”

“A Business Perspective”

“A Parent Perspective”

OUR LOCAL TEAM

Brooke Holbrook

CESA 8

Valerie Brooks

CESA 8

Shelley Burke Otto

CESA 9

Stephanie DeVries

CESA 5

Tommy Wartman

Grow North

Jacqui Guthrie

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Angel Laidlaw

Centergy

Tracy Ravn

Northcentral Technical College

Sarah Gruber

Nicolet College

Mallory Bryan

Wisconsin Department of Workforce

Jackie Esselman

Mid-State Technical College

About CESA & DPI

CESA 9

The organization of school districts in Wisconsin is such that the legislature recognizes the need for a service unit between the school districts and the State Superintendent. The Cooperative Educational Service Agencies are designed to serve educational needs in all areas of Wisconsin by serving as a link both between school districts and between school districts and the state. Cooperative Educational Services Agencies may provide leadership, coordination and education services to school districts, University of Wisconsin System institutions, and technical colleges. Cooperative Educational Services Agencies may facilitate communication and cooperation among all public and private schools, agencies, and organizations that provide services to pupils.

CESA 9 is made up of 22 school districts in north-central Wisconsin. We service over 2,800 teachers and 35,000 students in 102 public school buildings. Also located within the CESA 9 boundaries are two Wisconsin Technical Colleges and one UW System campus.

For more information: Visit cesa9.org/about

DPI

The Department of Public Instruction is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. It is headed by the state superintendent of public instruction, a nonpartisan, constitutional officer elected every four years. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly, the current officeholder, is 28th person to hold the post.

The agency was created in 1848, the year Wisconsin attained statehood when the state constitution provided for the establishment of local school districts and free education for all children in the state.

For more information: Visit the state superintendent’s page

Read All About It

December 11, 2025

Strengthening Business Recruitment Through Smart Site Selection

Strengthening Business Recruitment Through Smart Site Selection   Industry, government, and community leaders from across the region came together for a workshop focused on the essential mission of positioning our ... Strengthening Business Recruitment Through Smart Site Selection

See Details

December 10, 2025

Centergy's Advocacy Delivers Results!

A Big Win for Central Wisconsin: Centergy’s Advocacy Delivers Results It’s a great week for Central Wisconsin! Centergy is excited to share some incredible news that highlights the power of ... Centergy’s Advocacy Delivers Results!

See Details

December 4, 2025

Wisconsin Rapids Former Paper Mill

The former Wisconsin Rapids Paper Mill represents one of Central Wisconsin’s most significant industrial redevelopment opportunities. Situated on more than 200 acres in the core of Wisconsin Rapids, the property ... Wisconsin Rapids Former Paper Mill

See Details

December 3, 2025

Centergy, Inc. Welcomes Tracy Brewer as Marketing & Events Coordinator

  Centergy, Inc. Welcomes Tracy Brewer as Marketing & Events Coordinator Centergy, Inc. is pleased to welcome Tracy Brewer as our new Marketing and Events Coordinator. Her experience in regional ... Centergy, Inc. Welcomes Tracy Brewer as Marketing & Events Coordinator

See Details

November 21, 2025

Central Wisconsin Contractors Association (CWCA) Announcement

Centergy Newsletter Addition – CWCA Announcement Central Wisconsin Contractors Association (CWCA) is excited to announce it recently reached 50 members – almost doubling its membership in the last 6 years! ... Central Wisconsin Contractors Association (CWCA) Announcement

See Details

October 29, 2025

Expanding Air Service in Central Wisconsin: Building on Momentum

With United Airlines officially returning to Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) in May 2026 offering three daily, year-round flights to Chicago, Central Wisconsin has achieved an important milestone for regional connectivity. ... Expanding Air Service in Central Wisconsin: Building on Momentum

See Details