Buy tickets for the 2024 Gala

Join us on Friday,May 3, 2024, at The Waters for the second Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Education Foundation Fundraising Gala. Proceeds from this inaugural event will benefit Oshkosh K-12 Career and Technical education students, staff, and programs.

This year’s gala theme is Derby Day! Don your “derby best” and your favorite hat or fascinator and get ready to experience and support the incredible talents of the OASD CTE programs. 

Career and technical education, or CTE, prepares a highly-skilled, sustainable workforce with the technical expertise, work ethic, and employability skills American businesses and industries need to remain globally competitive. 

In the Oshkosh Area School District, high school students explore CTE through career pathways, a series of connected career and technical education and training opportunities that move seamlessly into a specific career area post-high school. Career Pathways include courses, opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials and college or technical college credits, and work-based learning experiences. 

CTE plays a crucial role in K-12 education by: 

*Equipping students with practical skills and knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that apply directly to the workforce and increase their employability and job prospects;

*Providing opportunities for students to gain industry certifications and credentials, giving them a competitive edge in the job market and opening doors to higher-paying positions.;

*Preparing students for college and career success by providing them with a solid foundation in technical skills, work ethic, and professionalism;

*Addressing the skills gap by training students for in-demand careers in sectors such as healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and manufacturing;

*Collaborating with local businesses and industry professionals, fostering partnerships that benefit both students and employers through internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs; and

*Driving economic development by supplying industries with a skilled workforce, attracting new businesses to communities, and stimulating local economies.