Get WIRED

Organization: Poudre School District

Grant Round: Workforce Innovation II

Program’s Objectives: The Get Wired Program in Poudre School District is training high school juniors and seniors 21st century skills in two new classes. Mapping Technologies and Clean Energy Manufacturing explore the worlds of GIS and renewable energy systems respectively. Through hands on training, guest speakers, field trips as well as project based learning, students will come away with the basic skills employers in these industries seek in new employees.

Individuals Served: We are currently training a total of 50 students in the two classes. Over 50 students have already ready registered for these classes next school year and that number is expected to grow.

Success Story: Students in the Get Wired program are realizing success partly due to some amazing guest speakers and field trips to GIS and renewable energy industry companies.

Quote: “I was worried that we would have a hard time registering 50 students for the program because every student in the district already had a completed schedule for the year. I guess I underestimated the response. Both classes filled completely in no time. It truly is a statement that the teenage population is quite aware of global issues and is interested in taking steps to make a difference.”
-- Robert Ufer, Wired Grant Manager, Poudre School District

Collaborators: Woodward, Vestas, Collins Control, TechniGraphics, Spatial Data Technologies, ESRI, Front Range Community College, Colorado State University, Larimer County Workforce Center.