Foster families with children in grades 5 through 12 are invited to Mid-State Technical College’s Youth Program Exploration Event on Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This free event hosted on the Wisconsin Rapids Campus gives participants a chance to learn new skills, build relationships and explore career programs. Lunch is included.

Learning activities at the Youth Program Exploration Day are interactive and delivered by Mid-State faculty. Participants will receive assistance with college preparation, including information about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), college application process, high school dual credit options and youth apprenticeship programs.

“Hosting the Youth Program Exploration Day with Mid-State is the perfect alignment of vision and service in our shared communities,” said Stacy Genett, HOME team supervisor for Wood County Human Services. “It’s so important that we give youth in care opportunities to explore life after high school graduation as well as give families considering fostering a chance to connect with resources, and this event provides both.”

Attendees will walk away with college resources, a Mid-State gift for attending and a certificate of program exploration. They will also hear updates from Wood County Human Services, have a chance to connect with other foster and kinship families and explore Mid-State’s Wisconsin Rapids campus with a behind the scenes campus tour.

“This event continues to be a popular one, and it is a privilege to work with Adams County and Portage County Human Services departments to help students find their fit in technical college, learn about next steps and partner with other community resources,” said Mid-State Dean of Recruitment & Admissions Jackie Esselman.

Learn more and register at mstc.edu/YP-exploration. Mid-State is coordinating with Wood County to host more collaborative events going into the 2023–24 academic year. Anyone interested can visit mstc.edu/events or contact Wood County Human Services for more details.