Our Programs
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Learn more about our 35+ years of supporting education in Sun Prairie.
Overview
Overview
We offer a wide variety of programs that work to support the needs of students and businesses alike. From job fairs to financial simulations, our programs are designed to expose students to real-world experiences that align with their life and career goals. We work closely with educators to ensure that our programs complement classroom instruction and help students apply what they learn in practical settings.
Elementary Programs
Elementary Programs
Adopt-A-Class
HELP NEEDED
Adopt-A-Class
HELP NEEDED
BEP members are partnered with a 4th grade classroom in a hands-on 30-minute lesson about “soft skills” that businesses often desire in their employees. Example skills include goal setting, conflict resolution, teamwork, and more. Paired with the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) standards teachers are currently using, BEP partners visit their classrooms 6 times a year.
Student Shout Outs
HELP NEEDED
Student Shout Outs
HELP NEEDED
In 2024, the BEP started a new initiative where they are looking for something simple and special to do at each elementary school that can have a big impact on students, where members were involved in recognizing students at Eastside Elementary and Northside Elementary.
Reading Buddies
Reading Buddies
BEP Member Classroom Partners interact with and read to first graders once a month, starting in September. This reading program gives BEP members the platform to sponsor a classroom ($125) to provide a book that goes home with every student each month of the school year for every first grader in the Sun Prairie Area School District and Sacred Hearts School.
High School Programs
High School Programs
Working Wednesdays
Working Wednesdays
BEP members get the opportunity to come to high school lunches to share job information, recruit new student employees, or educate students about possible careers.
Job Fairs
Job Fairs
Student Job Fairs will be held at Prairie Phoenix Academy, Sun Prairie East High School, and Sun Prairie West High School in the spring. Student Job Fairs are held in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce.
Employment Preparation
Employment Preparation
BEP members come into the high schools on set days to give application and resume advice in addition to offering practice interviews for students who are getting ready to apply for jobs or go on job interviews. These sessions take place during what is known as WIN time (What I Need) between 10:00 and 10:45 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and or Thursdays.
(a sign up will soon be created for these events)
Reality Rocks
A PARTNER FAVORITE
Reality Rocks
A PARTNER FAVORITE
Upcoming events this year are November 19, December 3, and April 22.
Reality Rocks is a high school-level financial simulation held three times a year for over 600 students. In this program, businesses act as representatives of various life factors to help students learn about the realities of the adult financial world. Students are asked to budget a given amount for housing, food, daycare, insurance, and more.
The next Reality Rocks event is on Weds., November 19, at Prairie Phoenix Academy, where we will need close to 50 volunteers for this event, hosting 75 students. Then again on Wednesday, December 3, 100 volunteers are needed at Sun Prairie West High School to help 300 students experience the ups and downs of the “real financial world” in this simulation. Our last event of the year will be held at Sun Prairie East High School on Weds., April 22, requiring 100 volunteers for another 300 students.
Student Employee Excellence (SEE) Awards
Student Employee Excellence (SEE) Awards
Employers nominate student employees and the BEP recognizes these students for exemplifying skills, habits, and attitudes needed in their work. BEP members surprise students while they are at work with a special certificate and a gift card.
Membership with the BEP is NOT required to participate in this program! Any employer who wants to recognize an outstanding high school student can nominate them.
Prior to nomination, please review the criteria for the award below.
Scholarship Programs
Scholarship Programs
Adopt-A-Future (AAF) Scholarship
Adopt-A-Future (AAF) Scholarship
This is a $1,000 scholarship promised to a student as an 8th grader in the AVID program and is awarded to the student upon successfully completing the requirements each year and in maintaining status as an AVID student through high school graduation.
Business sponsors will provide the $1,000 given to the student. This may be paid in 4 installments of $250 starting at the beginning of the student’s 9th-grade year up to their 12th-grade year. The business member sponsor interacts with the student yearly through a letter and at an annual breakfast.
Nancy Everson Memorial Scholarship (NEMS)
Nancy Everson Memorial Scholarship (NEMS)
The $2,500 NEMS honors the memory of a long time Sun Prairie educator Nancy Everson who dedicated her career to helping prepare students for the workforce. This scholarship will provide financial support to students who have already demonstrated their desire to enter into the workforce by participating in various programs such as Youth Apprenticeship or School-to-Work.
Nancy dedicated her life to education, inspiring and nurturing the minds of young learners with her unwavering commitment and kindness. Her passion for teaching and her ability to connect with students left an indelible mark on our community.
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