Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

		TOMMY G. THOMPSON  Governor State of Wisconsin

MADISON—Gov. Tommy G. Thompson today announced that the South East Asian Leadership Youth Program from La Crosse is being presented the Governor’s Workforce Innovation Award (WIN), which recognizes individuals and organizations that create innovative approaches and outside-of-the-box solutions to develop and sustain Wisconsin’s workforce.

The South East Asian Leadership Youth Program, also known as SEAL, was created by Denis Tucker, Executive Associate Director of the La Crosse Hmong Mutual Assistance Association.  The program seeks to develop and sustain a strong Wisconsin workforce by assisting youth in the areas of academic remediation, career exploration and planning, pre and post employment skill development, and job development and placement.

Participants attend two evening sessions each week from September to May.  The sessions include classroom instruction and tutoring and often feature guest speakers.  Volunteers assist with tutoring and supervision of tours and events.  Local tours of places of interest are scheduled regularly as are oportunities to participate in community and civic events.  In addition, participants meet individually with HMAA staff on a biweekly basis.

"We have seen significant changes in the ethnic make-up of Wisconsin over the years and those changes are reflected in our workforce," Gov. Thomspon said. "The South East Asian Leadership Youth Program recognizes the value of our Hmong youth in Wisconsin and the vital role they will play in our state’s future workforce."

Between 1988, when SEAL began, and 1998 the program has served more than 200 youth.  Among participants of high school graduation age, 98 percent have graduated from high school, 90 percent have moved on to higher education or training, and 77 percent have received their undergraduate degree.

The WIN award is presented each month to highlight innovative approaches and solutions to overcoming barriers to work, empowering individuals to move up the job ladder, and partnering with employers, educators and local government to do what works to build a stronger workforce.

The award goes to organizations and individuals that significantly advance one or more of the following:

	Enhance the skill level of Wisconsin's workforce.
	Create effective partnerships between education and business, and the public and private sectors.
	Assist young people with career planning and skills training.
	Encourage older workers to remain in or return to the workforce.
	Help low-income, disabled and minority individuals enter the job market and move up the job ladder.

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