While many recent high school graduates are waiting for their first day of college this fall, others are already weeks into their careers. From Kewaunee to Gibraltar and everywhere in between, high schools hosted a different kind of signing day that still marks a tremendous achievement in a young person's life.

Rather than committing to a school to play a particular sport, students committed to businesses to perform specific jobs. Many of these opportunities grew out of experiences gained through the Northeast Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (NEWYA) program. Participation continues to grow across schools in Door and Kewaunee counties.

Door County Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Michelle Lawrie says these signing-day ceremonies highlight what is possible for students and businesses alike.

Youth Apprenticeship (YA) is a state-certified, work-based learning program overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and supported in the region by CESA 7 and NEWYA.