September 2017
Robert's Story: Take Your Legislator to Work...
Robert is a high school student not afraid to take risks and try new things. He wanted to work at a car wash and so he did. He is growing, learning, and setting new goals – fear of the unknown does not hold Robert back. Next, he wants to study photography. He invited Senator Lena Taylor to visit him at work to see what his typical workday was like.   
We invite you to help us share some of the experiences of Wisconsin Promise teens and families. Use this toolkit to help us get the word out through your website, social media, newsletters, email listservs, or just share with a friend!
College Bound Series
This series takes you through Claire's blog where she shares her experiences in choosing a college and navigating life.
Claire talks about finding a college, accommodations, building relationships, discovering ourselves and much more.
back to school, pencils
Back-To-School: Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
A new school year means a new grade, new teachers, new goals, and maybe even a new school! In order to help you and your child with special needs be as successful as you can be, LD Online has put together a list of helpful back-to-school tips.
Your IEP Meeting a teen guide text
IEP Meetings: A Teen and Parent Guide
An IEP is more than a long document. It is the guide that the IEP team follows throughout the year. Teachers will be checking in to tell you how things are going and checking in on goals throughout the year. It’s also possible for you the parent, you the teen, or a teacher to ask to meet to talk about the IEP or make changes to the plan.
For more tips on planning for an IEP meeting, check out our Parent and Teen guides.

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Ellie's Updates
The impact of Wisconsin Promise depends on making a difference in the lives of all Wisconsin Promise youth and families.
The more impact we can have with more youth and their family members, the more we will be able to demonstrate how Wisconsin Promise Services and Supports can help to increase participants’ education, employment, and financial self-sufficiency.

Promise Events
Community Forums

Wisconsin Promise is working to engage the broader community through Community Conversations throughout the state. There are four events either planned for this fall:
Each event is unique to reflect the local area, but will include presentations from local employers and youth. Small group discussions will focus on identifying how the community can come together to provide more opportunities for youth with disabilities and their families. Business owners and employers are encouraged to attend as the discussion will address local workforce needs.
Promise Family Advocates
Sherry Gundlach
Statewide
Sherry has worked with youth with disabilities and their parents for the past 21 years. She has facilitated Parents In Partnership for 5 years and is a co-founder of the Yippe (Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment) program. For the past 9 years, Sherry has been a Youth facilitator and trainer for the Yippe program. In 2016, Sherry was awarded the Diehard Award at the Self-Determination Conference for her tireless efforts to support youth and families.
Sherry has four wonderful adult children, one with a disability. Sherry is passionate about helping youth with disabilities set and reach their goals.

Steering Committee Profile Members and Emails
Project Director
Meredith Dressel

Project Manager
Ellie Hartman