Meta and Inspire WI launch county-wide leadership series to empower the next generation of student leaders

Inspire WI, is proud to announce the launch of the Dodge County Leadership Cohort, a county-wide leadership development series designed to prepare 9th and 10th grade students with the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to lead in school, the workplace, and their communities.

The new initiative reflects a shared commitment to investing in the future workforce by providing students with meaningful opportunities to discover their strengths, develop leadership competencies, explore career pathways, and connect with local business and community leaders.

“The leadership skills students develop today will shape the workforce and communities of tomorrow,” said Rebecca Droessler, Career Readiness Consultant for CESA 6 and Inspire WI. “Through this partnership, students from every Dodge County high school will have the opportunity to discover their unique leadership strengths, explore career possibilities, and build the confidence to make a positive impact in their schools and beyond.”

The Dodge County Leadership Cohort is a structured six-session experience that brings together approximately 30 ninth and tenth grade students from Dodge County high schools, creating a diverse cohort representing a variety of academic interests, career pathways, and student backgrounds. Students will be nominated by their local high school and complete an application if interested.

Throughout the series, students will participate in interactive learning experiences focused on:

● Discovering Personal Leadership Strengths through the CliftonStrengths®
framework and guided reflection to create a personal leadership identity profile.
● Leading Teams and Serving Communities by developing collaboration,
communication, and goal-setting skills while creating an individualized leadership
growth plan.
● Exploring Careers Through a Leadership Lens by examining regional workforce
opportunities, labor market trends, and leadership roles across industries.
● Preparing for the Future of Work by exploring artificial intelligence, automation,
entrepreneurship, innovation, and the leadership skills needed to navigate change.
● Strengthening Communication and Influence through public speaking, active
listening, digital professionalism, and conflict resolution.
● Completing a Leadership Capstone Experience, where students will showcase
their growth through a leadership and career portfolio, earn a digital leadership badge,
and present their reflections during a county-wide leadership summit.

By investing in leadership development at an early age, Meta is helping create opportunities for students to build essential employability skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Participants will strengthen communication, collaboration, adaptability, critical thinking, and professional confidence while gaining valuable connections with local employers and community mentors.

The partnership also supports Dodge County’s long-term workforce development strategy by cultivating a pipeline of future leaders who understand the opportunities available within their own communities and are prepared to contribute to the region’s continued economic growth.

“This collaboration demonstrates the power of education, business, and community organizations working together to invest in young people,” said Matt Sexton, Community Engagement Manager for the Meta Beaver Dam Data Center. “By equipping students with leadership skills, career awareness, and real-world experiences, we are helping prepare the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and community leaders.”

The Dodge County Leadership Cohort represents another step forward in Inspire WI’s mission to connect education and industry through meaningful career-connected learning experiences that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life