The newest edition of the FJI Report is here — and it takes a closer look at how Janesville is building connections between education, workforce development and the opportunities waiting for the next generation.
Our Issue 2 cover theme, “Pathways to the Future,” reflects a simple idea: the workforce of tomorrow is sitting in our classrooms today.
Throughout the new edition, we explore what can happen when educators, employers and community partners work together to help young people develop skills, discover career opportunities and see a future for themselves right here in Janesville and Rock County.
Read Issue 2 of the 2026-27 FJI Report and explore “Pathways to the Future.”
The cover story, “A Stronger Tomorrow,” examines the growing partnership between Forward Janesville and the School District of Janesville. What began with the creation of Forward Janesville’s Education Council has grown to include initiatives aimed at strengthening student achievement, improving communication between education and business, supporting Keep Kids Learning and creating new opportunities to connect students with the needs of local employers.
Another feature, “Opening the Doors to Opportunities,” takes readers inside Janesville’s expanding work-based learning efforts. Programs such as Craftsman With Character and Youth Apprenticeship are helping students step inside local businesses, explore careers and develop skills that are difficult to replicate in a classroom. At the same time, employers have an opportunity to begin building relationships with their future workforce.
The issue also broadens the conversation around what education means to a thriving community. Entrepreneur and community-development leader Quint Studer writes about the importance of learning from early childhood through adulthood — including the role strong schools, workforce training and civic education can play in building a vibrant community.
And there’s plenty more inside.
Readers will meet Forward Janesville members helping create pathways for others, follow another unique career journey in our “How Did I Get Here?” feature, meet some of Forward Janesville’s newest members and celebrate businesses reaching Quarter Century Club milestones. The issue also includes a preview of the 2026 Forward Janesville Annual Dinner, “A Story Worth Telling. A Future Worth Building.,” coming October 22 at the Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center.
At Forward Janesville, Workforce & Education is one of the five segments of our Growth Wheel because its impact extends well beyond the classroom. Strong schools help attract families. Career pathways help employers find talent. Work-based learning gives young people a chance to see what opportunities exist in their own community.
Those connections — and the people making them happen — are at the heart of our newest FJI Report.
Read Issue 2 of the 2026-27 FJI Report and explore “Pathways to the Future.”