WAUSAU — The Branch continues to grow with the announcement of a new program for high school students. This summer, The Branch Academy will offer juniors and seniors to be (in the 2017-2018 school year) an opportunity to earn college credit while showcasing their talents for business and community leaders.

Students will work weekly as a team on a challenging innovation problem presented by Northcentral Technical College. The Branch Academy will present students with a unique opportunity to add a real-world experience to their college applications and career portfolio. Students that are selected and complete the program will be rewarded with an Apple product.

The program’s inaugural summer session is accepting applications through Wednesday, May 3. Mentors for the program are also needed and can apply on The Branch’s website.

The Branch and The Branch Academy are workforce development initiatives formed in partnership by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce, Northcentral Technical College and Church Mutual. This programs are skills accelerators which will build business and retain talent in central Wisconsin. Both programs teach collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity through the exercise of entrepreneurship.

“I learned a new way of thinking. I learned not to cut to the chase right away, but to look into the question and find that there’s more meaning.” said Lukas Lindner, a 2016 graduate of DC Everest and current student at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.

“This is an opportunity for students to enter an environment where they can apply their classroom skills and transfer it into a real-world business setting.” said Dave Eckmann, President/CEO of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.

To view videos from program, visit The Branch’s YouTube channel.

Along with River Valley Bank and AROW Global, Church Mutual Insurance Company is a sponsor of the program and Westphal Staffing Inc a supporter.

For more information or to register as a student or mentor, visit The Branch’s website. Students that have questions about the program should contact Bobbi Damrow, Dean of Business & Industry and Regional Campuses at Northcentral Technical College, at [email protected] or 715-348-7513. Businesses that are interested in becoming involved with the program can also register projects through the site or contact Renae Krings, talent development director at the Chamber, at [email protected] or 715-848-5942. College students are encouraged to apply for The Branch’s fall 2017 and spring 2018 cohorts.

Interested students and parents are invited to attend The Branch’s Demo Day for its spring cohort at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10 in the Community Room at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. The event will include a presentation by college students to the leadership teams from River Valley Bank and AROW Global. Those interested in attending Demo Day should register at WausauChamber.com or RSVP by Wednesday, May 3 to Brian Otten, marketing manager at the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or 715-848-5947.