This week our Monroe LAUNCH students chose their projects for the upcoming trimester. They will work closely with their business coaches to connect classroom learning directly to real-world success. Now in its fifth year, the LAUNCH program continues to expand, reaching a record enrollment of 84 juniors and seniors. We’re looking forward to another great year of providing hands-on, project-based learning experiences that directly serve our community!
This 2026-2027 school year offers LAUNCH opportunities in six different topic areas (known as Strands). Our Strands include Business Analytics, Media Solutions, Behavioral Health, Healthcare Solutions, Skilled Building Trades, and Applied Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship.
Business Analytics
Business Analytics students receive classroom instruction in Statistics and Business Management building skills in data collection and decision making analysis. This first trimester, six LAUNCH students will work in teams of three to complete two major projects:
● Colony Brands: Supply chain analysis
● Northside Parent Teacher Organization: Research and planning for a new playground
Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health students explore developmental psychology and interventions across education, mental health and public health to design innovative wellness solutions. This trimester, 18 students working in teams of three are addressing community needs with local partners:
● GL Rehabilitation Services: Mental health screening awareness campaign
● GreenHaven: New brochure and social media outreach
● Green County Health Department: Substance misuse prevention and awareness video
● Got Your Back App: Promotion and user growth strategy for suicide prevention
● Family Promise of Green County: Food insecurity initiative
● Green County Health Department: Mental health stigma campaign
Media Solutions
Combining instruction in Writing and Graphic Design, Media Solutions students develop skills in photography, videography, audio production, social media and web design. Sixteen LAUNCH students are working in project teams on five community initiatives this trimester:
● Green County Healthy Communities Coalition Housing Group: Designing a county housing webpage
● St. John’s United Church of Christ: Website design and multi media plan
● Country View Equestrian Center: Advertising and awareness campaign
● Green County Public Health: Social media content calendar
● GL Rehabilitation Services: Digital presence overhaul
Healthcare Solutions
Twelve Healthcare Solutions students are completing their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training at Pleasant View this trimester. They will begin business and community projects in December.
Skilled Building Trades
The Skilled Building Trades strand introduces students to the math, materials, tools, machines and processes used in construction. Through a hands-on, problem-solving approach, students explore concrete, carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades. Twenty three students (including students from Brodhead High School, New Glarus High School and Juda High School) are constructing a twin home in partnership with Green County Development Corporation as part of the Home Construction Cooperative program.
Applied Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship
This strand blends fabrication skills like welding and machining with real-world business management. Students are launching and operating a full fabrication business while completing custom projects for local clients.
Thank You to Our Partners
We are immensely grateful to the local businesses and community organizations partnering with us this trimester. By opening their doors and providing authentic, real-world projects, these leaders offer our students valuable mentorship and career insights that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting.
More Projects Needed for December
LAUNCH is a year-long program where students apply classroom knowledge to authentic challenges submitted by community partners. By collaborating with local businesses and organizations, students gain valuable career insights and develop essential professional skills.
If your business or organization is interested in submitting 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.
