The new in-plant classroom expands work-based learning access for high school students across Washington and Dodge counties.

HARTFORD, Wis. October 8th, 2026 – GPS Education Partners (GPS Ed) and Quad celebrated the opening of the new Quad Education Center in Hartford with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local business leaders, school district partners, and state and local officials. The Education Center gives high school juniors and seniors from the Hartford, Lomira, Mayville, and West Bend school districts a place to earn their diploma while building real skills in a working manufacturing environment.

At the Quad Education Center, students take core academic classes inside the facility and put that learning to work through paid youth apprenticeships with local employer partners. Along the way, they earn industry-recognized credentials, build professional relationships with mentors, and graduate with a clear path into a technical career.

"When partnerships like this happen, it means we as adults have figured out a way to come together to do something for young people. The impact ripples out into our communities, our families, and our regional economy, and it benefits all of us.," said Andrew Zimdars, Director of Partner Services, GPS Education Partners.

Quad shares that belief. Hosting a classroom inside a working plant takes commitment from the whole team, from plant leadership to the mentors on the floor.

"Putting a training center inside one of our facilities to help educate the next generation of manufacturing talent was a no-brainer. Students have an opportunity to be directly involved in something that influences their future life and work. And as one of the largest manufacturers in Wisconsin, we have an obligation to help build the talent pool of the future," said Rob Quadracci, Chief Human Resources Officer, Quad.

The Hartford opening builds on a strong year for GPS Ed's Education Center and Youth Apprenticeship Program. In the 2025–2026 school year, 219 juniors and seniors enrolled across eight Education Centers, and 125 graduated in the Class of 2026. Hartford's Class of 2026 graduated 11 of 11 students, all of whom passed their MSSC Safety and Quality certifications. 

For students, a youth apprenticeship puts them in an authentic work environment where they build real abilities, picture a future they’re excited about, and take ownership of what comes next. 

"This training center gives the young people of this community not only an awareness of apprenticeship opportunities, but a real, hands-on experience through youth apprenticeship, so they can make a thoughtful decision about their life after high school," said David Polk, Director of the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards for Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. 

For many students, the Education Center offers a different kind of classroom experience than they have had before.

"In this program I get a ton of one-on-one coaching, whereas in a traditional high school, there are many kids who may not get the same opportunity without falling behind…I feel like I can work efficiently and get more done in the classroom," said Connor from West Bend East High School. 

"When a business opens its doors and provides an apprenticeship, it's doing much more than filling a position. It's helping a young person discover possibilities and see a future for themselves," said Karen Gibbs, Partner Services Manager, GPS Ed. Employers interested in hosting youth apprentices and families interested in enrollment can learn more at edcenters.gpsed.org.

About GPS Education Partners

GPS Education Partners (GPS Ed) unites communities through work-based learning that delivers – for students, employers, and the communities they share. What started in 2000 as a single local partnership has grown into a proven approach now shaping real, lasting career pathways across the country. We believe high-quality work-based learning can transform every student's path to prosperity, and we create the connections that make that possible. Learn more at gpsed.org and edcenters.gpsed.org.

About Quad

Quad (NYSE:QUAD) is a marketing experience company that helps brands make more direct consumer connections, from household to in-store to online. Headquartered in Sussex, Wis., Quad employs 10,000 people worldwide and serves approximately 2,100 clients. For more information, visit quad.com.