Joe Kovacevich for County Board

Last week, we broke ground on the future! ?? In spring 2023, I worked with my La Crosse County Board colleagues to invest in something that matters deeply: young people's future. That’s why I cast my vote to allocate $2 million to help build a Workforce Readiness Center, a project led by the local Boys & Girls Club. On Friday, I attended the groundbreaking. At a time when the economy is evolving and opportunities feel out of reach, this center will empower youth with tools for success. Inside, they’ll find: ?? Hands-on Learning: An Innovation Lab, construction training, and more ?? An Entrepreneurship Center: Leadership and financial literacy info ??? Media/Tech Resources: Support for students exploring digital careers ?? Career Pathway Help: Connecting youth to real-world experience When county governments and community organizations work together, we build meaningful opportunities. I’m glad to have played even a small role in making this project feasible—and I can’t wait to see the impact. See more here: https://lnkd.in/gY5S7iJu #youthempowerment #workforce #community #engagement

As an elected county board supervisor and public employee, I genuinely believe in the power of service to improve lives and strengthen communities. That’s why I’m excited to announce the Recognition of Public Service Scholarship at Western—a $500 scholarship I have funded to support students pursuing careers in service-oriented fields like nursing, firefighting, human services, education, public safety, and more. It was great to see this featured in “Western Connect,” a biannual newsletter highlighting the incredible work happening in the Western community! I’m certainly not someone with deep pockets—but I’m passionate about giving back. Growing up as the child of two lifelong public educators, I witnessed both the challenges and the profound impact of public service careers. This scholarship is my way of recognizing and encouraging students who are dedicating themselves to making a difference, even when the path isn’t always easy. ?? The scholarship will be awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year! Learn more about eligibility here: https://lnkd.in/g--harKH. And, check out the article about the scholarship here: https://lnkd.in/ga4B_zBN Public service comes with unique challenges, and my hope is that my contribution to create this scholarship—while modest—shows students that their commitment is seen, valued, and celebrated. By investing in future leaders, we can build a stronger, more connected community. #scholarship #workforcedevelopment #students #publicservice #wisconsin