Janesville Business Academy

The Janesville Business Academy (JBA) is a district-wide capstone program that gives high school students real-world business experience by immersing them in a professional environment, connecting them with local business leaders, and engaging them in hands-on projects that prepare them for future careers.

Launched in partnership with Craig High School in 2023 and housed in the Janesville Business Hub at One Parker Place, the JBA is more than just a classroom, it’s a professional workspace designed to reflect the real world of work. In 2024, the program expanded to include Parker High School and now serves students across the Janesville School District.

The Hub’s central downtown location moves students out of libraries and cafeterias and into an environment where ideas, business skills, and professional relationships come to life.

A Unique Collaboration

The Janesville Business Academy is made possible through collaboration between:

• Forward Janesville / The Forward Foundation

• The School District of Janesville

• UW–Whitewater at Rock County

• The Janesville Foundation

• Generous local donors

The Forward Foundation, Forward Janesville’s charitable arm, provides financial support for the Hub space, while a wide range of local employers contribute their time, knowledge, and mentorship.

“What an opportunity for kids to have their own office space downtown. It’s just a fantastic learning environment.”
— Prent Corporation's David Hiller, Past Chair of Forward Janesville

How Forward Janesville Members Can Get Involved

Forward Janesville members are essential to the continued success and growth of the Janesville Business Academy. Here are four key ways your business can get involved:

1. Propose a Small Group Project

Each school year, students work in teams on authentic business challenges. Past partners include Alliant Energy, which tasked students with developing a statewide recruitment strategy, and the Beloit Sky Carp, who challenged students to design a themed promotional night for the ballpark.

These "post-it note" projects — things you’ve always wanted to tackle but never had the time — help students build skills while producing real value for your organization.

2. Volunteer as a Mentor

Students are matched with professionals based on their career interests. Mentors meet one-on-one with their student to provide insight, guidance and a deeper understanding of the field.

3. Present to the Class

The JBA is seeking Forward Janesville members to share their professional journeys, workplace skills or career advice with students. These presentations give students a broader perspective on the opportunities available in the workforce — and they’re always a highlight of the program.

4. Host a Site Tour or Lunch & Learn

Open your doors to students with a behind-the-scenes tour or host an educational lunch and learn. These events give students valuable exposure to workplace environments and industry-specific knowledge. Past hosts include ABC Supply, Prent and Workspace at The Gray Goose.

Real Impact, Real Results

“The most valuable thing I learned was being exposed to real workplace environments and learning from actual professionals. They want you to be curious and ask questions. It really helped me understand all the career options out there.”
— Abi Austin, 2024 Craig High School Graduate

JBA alumni often leave with a clearer sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of the professional world, and connections that can shape their careers.

“These are impressive kids. I learned more from them than they learned from me. It restores my faith in the next generation.”
— Tim Lindau, Mentor & Attorney at Nowlan Law

Janesville Business Academy Media Coverage

https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2024/01/25/janesville-business-hub

https://www.gazettextra.com/news/local/janesville-schools-forward-janesville-launch-business-hub/article_236821e8-3d6a-11ee-8dab-db6a2cb88d6e.html