After a trimester of classroom learning and hands-on problem solving, 69 LAUNCH students presented their final findings and products to their business and organization mentors, parents and teachers.
This 2025-2026 school year offers LAUNCH opportunities in six different topic areas (known as Strands). Our Strands include Business Analytics, Media Solutions, Behavioral Health (starting second trimester), Healthcare Solutions, Skilled Building Trades, and Applied Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship.
Business Analytics
Business Analytics students receive classroom instruction in Statistics and Business Management developing skills in data collection and analysis to inform decision making. Thirteen LAUNCH students worked in teams to complete four Business Analytics projects during first trimester. They include:
● Habitat for Humanity — Built a functional donor database and optimized the organization’s use of Google Drive.
● Colony Brands — Analyzed outdoor furniture sales compared to other vendors and provided recommendations for future sales.
● Monroe Truck Equipment — Reviewed production data for snow removal products to clarify equipment flow through the manufacturing shop.
● Green Ribbon Library — Created and deployed a digital survey to better understand the mental health needs and habits of students at Monroe and beyond.
Media Solutions
Media Solutions students receive instruction in Writing and Graphic Design to develop skills in design, photography, videography, audio production, social media and web design. Eight LAUNCH students worked in teams to complete two Media Solutions projects during first trimester. They include:
● Habitat for Humanity — Developed a marketing strategy for social media, instagram and customer networking.
● Monroe Excellence in Education — Created marketing materials to support organizational branding and fundraising events.
Healthcare Solutions
Healthcare Solutions students combine Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training with anatomy coursework and while exploring ways to support physical health. During first trimester, 8 students planned and hosted a Respite Fun Day for families of children with medical disabilities.
Skilled Building Trades
The Skilled Building Trades strand exposes students to the math, materials, tools, machines and processes used in building construction. Using a problem-based, hands-on approach, students explore concrete, carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades. Twenty two students, including two from Brodhead High School, are building a home in partnership with Green County Development Corporation as part of the Home Construction Cooperative program.
Applied Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship
This NEW strand blends hands-on skills such as welding and machining to fabricate metal manufacturing products for local businesses. Students are launching and operating a fabrication business while completing local client projects. First trimester products included 40 decorative metal garden gates, 30 miniature tabletop metal goats, and 4 life-size metal goats for a private customer, as well as six different handcrafted metal gift options available for purchase before the holidays.
Trimester Two Projects Chosen
Students are already hard at work in new team configurations on new projects for second trimester, including:
Business Analytics
● Zenful Moments Spa
● Colony Brands
● Monroe Truck Equipment
● Thrift and Thrive with Family Services of Southern Wisconsin
Media Solutions
● National Historic Cheesemaking Center
● Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Monroe)
● Monroe Truck Equipment
Behavioral Health
● Green Ribbon Library
● Department of Workforce Development Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
● Monroe Public Library
● Green County Human Services Department
Healthcare Solutions students will spend the semester earning their Nursing Assistant Certification with Blackhawk Technical College.
Skilled Building Trades students will continue working on the house they are building.
Applied Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship students will continue working on their business plan and metal manufacturing projects.
Stay Tuned for Results
On Friday, March 6, students will present their trimester 2 projects, showcasing their problem-solving skills and collaboration with local businesses. They will then, once again, divide into new project teams to take on new problems from local businesses and organizations for their final trimester in LAUNCH.
LAUNCH is a year-long course in which students apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems provided by community partners. By working closely with local businesses and organizations, students gain valuable insight into career pathways and develop skills essential for future success.
If your business or organization would like to submit a project for LAUNCH students, please contact Cara Carper at caracarper@monroe.k12.wi.us or (608) 328-7573.
— Cara Carper is the School District of Monroe Student Occupation and Academic Readiness (SOAR) Coordinator.
