FORWARD Program Supports the Need for More Teachers and Nurses in Sheboygan

Together, Lakeshore College and the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay announced a new program today that will allow students wishing to pursue a teaching or nursing degree to seamlessly study at both institutions. The FORWARD program supports students in the Sheboygan area, saving both time and money for each student while allowing them to stay within the region and meet local workforce needs. All classes are offered locally at the Lakeshore College Cleveland Campus, the UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus and online. 

FORWARD students may start as soon as Fall of 2025 by visiting www.lakeshoretouwgb.com.

The sharing of resources provides students who enroll in the FORWARD program a local solution to a four-year degree in high-demand fields. FORWARD highlights the strengths of both institutions while directly impacting the needs of the local labor force. Demand for nurses and teachers remains high.

For example, in the Lakeshore District alone the projected growth for kindergarten, elementary and middle school teachers is 5% compared to only 1% projected growth in the state. For registered nurses, projected growth is 4%, representing a critical need locally. 

“The FORWARD program meets the needs of our community by not only addressing the teacher shortage that school districts across our community face but also by providing opportunities for our students to enter the fields of education and nursing,” said Sheboygan Area School District Superintendent Dr. Jacob Konrath. “Affordable pathways to teaching and nursing aren’t just about dollars saved – they’re about doors opened, ensuring passionate individuals can answer the vital call to serve our communities.” 

“It has become very evident in recent years that our country is facing a significant nursing shortage that truly can only be met by training more people in the profession,” said Dr. Ashok Rai, President and CEO, Prevea Health. “This partnership leverages two great educational institutions coming together to meet that need. Sheboygan County is lucky to have both institutions focused on meeting the needs of its citizens.”

Providing an affordable, locally accessible option for students interested in education and nursing removes barriers to degree pursuit and creates a clear educational pipeline. Dual-enrollment high school students, recent graduates or those already in the workforce have a seamless option to move from college to a career in critical fields. The FORWARD program creates a pathway to success for students and employers.

“Lakeshore College is excited we are doing something which is not common in higher education – partnering with a four-year college to directly address acute workforce needs in our community,” said Lakeshore College President Dr. Paul Carlsen. “Together with UW-Green Bay, we are making higher education local in Sheboygan at a time when other communities are experiencing a divestment in higher education.” 

This forward-thinking partnership directly impacts the local community. Students have the opportunity to begin by earning their associate degree with Lakeshore in Cleveland or at the UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, and finish with a bachelor’s degree at UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus. For the first time in this area, interested students can receive an affordable four-year teaching or nursing degree from a public university close to home. 

“This FORWARD program is transformative for Sheboygan County,” said County Administrator Alayne Krause. “By expanding access to affordable, high-quality education in high-demand fields like teaching and nursing, we’re not only opening doors for our local students – we’re also investing in the future of our workforce and the overall wellbeing of our communities.” 

Additionally, FORWARD students have the added benefits associated with enrollment at both institutions, enjoying the university experience through UW-Green Bay while receiving personalized support and cost savings from beginning their educational journey at Lakeshore. 

“Students win when institutions collaborate to build on the strengths that both Lakeshore and UW-Green Bay bring to the region,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Mike Alexander. “The community grows when we partner with each other to meet workforce needs and ensure that students benefit from having two strong advocates for building a stronger pipeline of teachers and nurses in Sheboygan.” 

Students interested in learning more about the FORWARD program can visit www.lakeshoretouwgb.com or attend an upcoming session to receive additional information. The FORWARD program information sessions will be held:

•    Monday, May 19, 2025, 6 – 7 p.m., UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus
•    Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 4 – 5 p.m., Lakeshore College – Center for Health Care Excellence
•    Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 9 – 10 a.m., UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus
•    Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 6 – 7 p.m. , Online only
 

About UW-Green Bay 
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,198 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 85,883 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With four campus locations in Northeast Wisconsin, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.