Programs
Trade Skills and So Much More
Check Out Our
Current & Upcoming Programming
2025 Winter Programs
Entrepreneurship – Money Matters (Financial Literacy)
Ages: 14-18
January 27 – March 17
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
“Money Matters: Make It Count” teaches teens essential money skills like budgeting, saving, and goal setting, building financial literacy for a secure and successful future.
Career Exploration – Skilled Trades Clubs (STEM)
Ages: 11-15
January 21 – March 18
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Discover careers in construction through hands-on projects and tools! Learn from carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, roofers, masons, landscapers, and more.
Technical Skills – Pre-Apprenticeship Grad Squad
Ages: 16 -20
January 22 – March 19
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Our program helps pre-apprenticeship grads sharpen skills, complete fun projects, connect with staff, and plan career paths with work opportunities.
Soft Skills – Career Launch
Ages: 15 – 18
January 23 – March 20
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
CareerLaunch helps Club members explore careers, build job skills, and prepare for the workforce through career exploration, mentoring, job shadowing, and training opportunities.
NEXTGEN Builders: Residential Skills Academy
Ages: 16 – 24
January 6 – March 27
M – W, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Th, 9:00 AM – 13:00 PM
This paid construction training program combines hands-on homebuilding experience with financial literacy, social-emotional learning, mental health support, and academic assistance for GED/HSED completion or high school re-entry. Free transportation is provided. The program welcomes students with flexible schedules, those not currently enrolled, and recent graduates.
Construction Exposure & Career Exploration – Makers Club (STEM)
Ages: 14-18
January 27 – March 17
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Makers Club teaches STEM and hands-on skills with tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and more. Students explore careers while building creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Soft Skills – PATHS Program (Social Emotional Learning)
Ages: 11-15
January 21 – March 18
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Emozi® Middle School SEL uses interactive activities like role-playing, journaling, and service projects to build skills in mindfulness, empathy, relationships, and cultural competency.
Entrepreneurship – Entrepreneurial Ventures
Ages: 11 – 16
January 22 – March 19
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Students will learn to start a business—market research, product development, and pitching—then sell their creations at a craft fair to wrap up the program!
Technical Skills – Software Training & Certifications
Ages: 14 – 18
January 23 – March 20
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Learn industry software like SketchUp, REVIT, Google Suite, Microsoft Office & more. Students vote on programs during week 1 to earn relevant certifications.
Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
Ages: 15 – 18
February 3 – May 30
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
During this training program, you can earn construction credentials before you begin your trade apprenticeship. You will explore the trades in the construction industry, learn construction terminology, practice using tools safely, and receive OSHA-10, first aid/CPR/AED, fall protection and flagging certifications. This program is tailored for students currently enrolled in and attending high school.
Deepening the Impact
Making a Difference
To further deepen the impact of the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center & the skilled trades training programming, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is:
Reapplying proven academic and mentoring success strategies learned during our 12 years of AVID/TOPS programming as documented through an independent university study.
Partnering with the Madison Area Builders Association, local unions, and other residential and commercial building companies and organizations to ensure young adults are prepared for professional success in skilled trades.
Actively engaging investors that are committed to eliminating barriers for youth from low-income communities to achieve career and financial success through skilled trades jobs.
Skilled Trades Training
Trade Skills Training will teach students the hard skills they’ll need to pursue careers as plumbers, carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, and more.
Soft Skills Training
Soft-skills training will provide students with social, emotional, and learning support to assist them with transitioning to the workforce.
Youth Entrepreneur Training
Youth entrepreneurial classes will prepare students to launch their own independent businesses as well as build income and wealth.
Invest in their future
Donate
Your investment will change the lives of countless young people, their families, and our community. We thank you so much for your generous donation.