EC Wisconsin News

Lakeshore College and the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay have partnered to launch the FORWARD program, aimed at addressing the need for more teachers and nurses in the Sheboygan area. The program allows students to study for teaching or nursing degrees across both institutions, offering local classes at Lakeshore College Cleveland Campus, UW-Green Bay's Sheboygan Campus, and online.

Enrollment for the FORWARD program begins in Fall 2025. The collaboration aims to provide local solutions for students pursuing four-year degrees in high-demand fields. With demand for nurses and teachers high, the program seeks to address critical local needs.

Dr. Jacob Konrath, Superintendent of Sheboygan Area School District, emphasized, "The FORWARD program meets the needs of our community by not only addressing the teacher shortage that school districts across our community face but also by providing opportunities for our students to enter the fields of education and nursing."

Dr. Ashok Rai, President and CEO of Prevea Health, also endorsed the initiative, stating, "This partnership leverages two great educational institutions coming together to meet that need. Sheboygan County is lucky to have both institutions focused on meeting the needs of its citizens."

The program offers an affordable and accessible option for those interested in entering the education and nursing fields, including dual-enrollment high school students and recent graduates. Dr. Paul Carlsen, President of Lakeshore College, remarked, "Together with UW-Green Bay, we are making higher education local in Sheboygan at a time when other communities are experiencing a divestment in higher education."

The pathway enables students to earn an associate degree at Lakeshore or UW-Green Bay's Sheboygan Campus and to complete their bachelor's degree locally. Furthermore, students benefit from university experiences while starting their educational journey with Lakeshore's support and cost savings.

"Students win when institutions collaborate to build on the strengths that both Lakeshore and UW-Green Bay bring to the region," commented UW-Green Bay Chancellor Mike Alexander. "The community grows when we partner with each other to meet workforce needs and ensure that students benefit from having two strong advocates for building a stronger pipeline of teachers and nurses in Sheboygan."

Information sessions for the FORWARD program are scheduled on May 19, May 21, June 10, and June 18, 2025, at various locations as well as online.

Lakeshore College provides career-focused education, with about 800 graduates annually reporting a median salary of $61,355 within six months. The college is nationally recognized and has been honored with various awards.

Similarly, UW-Green Bay serves over 11,000 students across numerous programs, with an access mission that welcomes learners globally. Known for championing bold thinking since 1965, UW-Green Bay emphasizes educational growth and problem-solving.