A quarterly newsletter by Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County featuring updates on our McKenzie Regional Workforce Center and CareerForce Build UP! Programming. | | | | |
Hello Brandon,
We are proud of the transformative work happening at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. Last month, we had the honor of celebrating the fifth cohort, Pre-Apprenticeship graduation, hosted by the Latino Academy of Workforce Development. The dedication and perseverance shown by these young men and women truly reflect the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, and we are proud to support them as they take the next steps in their career journeys.
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Our summer programming officially kicked off on June 16 and is already in full swing, but there’s still time for youth to register for our Trade Specific Training camps. These hands-on experiences provide valuable pathways into the skilled trades, including Blaze Girls Camp, which empowers young women through real-world learning and mentorship. We’re also looking forward to the upcoming graduation ceremony for the NextGen Builders Residential Skills Academy, taking place June 30 at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center.
None of this progress would be possible without the unwavering support of our valued partners: Madison Area Builders Association, WRTP | BIG STEP, Latino Academy of Workforce Development, and Habitat for Humanity of Dane County. Their ongoing commitment to workforce development continues to create life-changing opportunities for our youth and helps strengthen a more diverse, skilled, and prepared workforce for the future.
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Michael Johnson, MBA
President & CEO
| | CAREERFORCE BUILD UP! PROGRAMMING | | |
There’s still time to register for our hands-on Trade Specific Training Camps at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. Whether you're interested in becoming an electrician, auto mechanic, laborer, or exploring conservation careers, these summer camps give you real-world experience to jumpstart your future in the skilled trades.
We’re also offering BLAZE Girls Camp, designed to empower young women through hands-on learning. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your skills and explore a career path that works for you!
| | Alumni Spotlight: Pedro Valerio Cano
Shines at the White Party | | During this year’s White Party on June 21, a special alumni panel hosted by Leigh Mills celebrated the journeys of past Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County members. Among them was Pedro Valerio Cano, a recent graduate of our Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Now working with Cru Concrete, a Madison-based company specializing in residential concrete construction, Pedro is building a bright future in the trades. We are proud to see him represent the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center and inspire others with his progress and purpose. | | Celebrating the Spring
Pre-Apprenticeship Cohort | | On Friday, May 30, we celebrated the completion of the CareerForce Build Up! Youth Pre-Apprenticeship Spring Cohort. As part of our mission to support the development of a more diverse and skilled regional workforce, this hands-on training program gave young learners real-world experience to explore careers in the construction trades. We are proud to have partnered with Latino Academy and WRTP | BIG STEP to provide this opportunity and thank them for their continued commitment to building pathways into the trades for the next generation | | Inspiring Future Builders at
Kids Building Wisconsin | | The McKenzie Regional Workforce Center was proud to be part of Kids Building Wisconsin on May 17, 2025, at McKee Farms Park. This fun-filled event gave kids a chance to explore the world of construction through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. At our table, young builders used giant foam blocks to safely build towers, bridges, and whatever else they could imagine. It was a great day of learning, creativity, and inspiration, and we were excited to share it with so many curious and enthusiastic future tradespeople! | | NextGen Students Explore Careers in Construction | | Our NextGen students recently took a hands-on field trip to a neighborhood development by Tim O’Brien Homes, where they explored homes in various stages of construction. It was an exciting opportunity to see the building process up close and learn more about careers in the trades. NextGen supports recent grads and young adults as they build skills and prepare for entry into apprenticeship programs. | | |
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is seeking a Grants Writer
The Grant Writer supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County’s fundraising goals by researching funding opportunities, writing compelling proposals, and collaborating across departments to align program needs with available grants. Reporting to the Director of Grants and Compliance, this role helps secure and manage grant funding while contributing to donor stewardship and organizational strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research, write, and submit grant proposals to public and private funders
- Track and manage grant timelines, reporting, and compliance
- Collaborate with teams to align funding with programs and maintain donor relationships
Full-Time
$45,000 - $50,000/Year
| | THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS | | On behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, we'd like to extend our deepest gratitude to our program partners. Because of you, we are making a profound impact in our community and will continue to do so for years to come. | | SUPPORT THE MCKENZIE REGIONAL WORKFORCE CENTER | | Our goal is to train and connect hundreds of young people and emerging adults to the trades for generations to come. Click the button below to connect with our VP of Workforce Development, Alan Branch, and get involved with our skilled trades & and entrepreneurship programming. | | | | |
