Department of Workforce Development
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| Monday, February 14, 2000 Governor Tommy G. Thompson Secretary Linda Stewart | News Media Contact Heidi Kafura 608/264-6811 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784 |
Contact: Darrin Schmitz (608) 266-9806
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES WISCONSIN AS A "BEST PRACTICES" STATE
State to serve as a model for developing and sharing innovative youth initiatives
MADISON – Gov. Tommy G. Thompson today announced Wisconsin is one of ten states selected to participate on the National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices Youth Policy Network, a committee that will help states build upon current youth policies and adopt best practices of youth development.
Gov. Thompson said Wisconsin is eager to work with the National Governor’s Association (NGA) to build upon and share the state’s innovative youth oriented initiatives. The Youth Policy Network is a new technical assistance program that will work with 10 states to help them improve programs for youth by supporting state-local partnerships and interagency efforts aimed at developing and implementing youth development strategies.
"Wisconsin leads the nation in programs that focus on youth and we look forward to sharing our success with other states and learning more about successful efforts elsewhere," Gov. Thompson said. "Our participation in the NGA Center for Best practices will help us find and share innovative approaches to helping our youth. We’re honored to be at the forefront of this national effort to strengthen America’s young people."
Through the Network, launched by the Center with support from the DeWitt Wallace-Readers Digest Fund and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Wisconsin will have the opportunity to enhance the implementation of youth development strategies in areas including workforce development, welfare, education and juvenile justice.
The Wisconsin team will be comprised of state, local, and public and private partners. The statewide collaborative effort will involve the Departments of Corrections, Health and Family Services, Public Instruction, Workforce Development and the Wisconsin Technical College System Board, UW Extension, Governor’s Work Based Learning Board. Local partners include Community Adolescent Programs, Inc., Boys and Girls Clubs, Community Action Agencies, Operation Fresh Start and the Youth Serving Agencies Coalition.
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