On Monday, May 16, College Possible Milwaukee scholars visited Kohler Co. in Kohler, Wisconsin, where they learned about Kohler careers, its history, and its mission. Kohler Co. and College Possible recently partnered to create the Kohler Scholars program, which not only offers scholarship opportunities but provides hands-on experiences for Milwaukee high school seniors and college students, including career exploration, internship opportunities, and mentorship.
The day began at the Kohler Design Center. Kohler representatives Janine and Hillary led the day’s tour and activities, the first being a scavenger hunt. The Kohler Design Center features three floors, each with its own theme: innovative product design and technology, creative achievement, and American history. By the end of the scavenger hunt, scholars had explored all three floors and learned about Kohler in a fun and interactive way. Prizes were even awarded to scholars with the most correct answers!
Afterward, they headed to The American Club to attend a career panel and tour. Today, The American Club is a hotel, but decades ago the building was home to many Kohler workers who had emigrated from Europe to work. Over lunch, a panel of five Kohler employees shared insight into their careers, offered college advice, and talked about what the Kohler mission means to them. Neil, a panelist, shared, “I feel comfortable being my best self at work.” The scholars capped their time at The American Club with a tour that highlighted the history of The American Club.
Scholars then learned about the social impact and mission behind Kohler’s “Believing in Better” motto at the Kohler WasteLAB. The WasteLAB reuses leftover manufacturing materials that would otherwise go to a landfill to create beautiful and unique products. Scholars received a behind-the-scenes look at all that the WasteLAB does.
As the day ended, scholars gathered around to reflect on their excursion. Some spoke of the new things they had learned, and others shared what this trip had meant to them. All in all, it was an engaging day filled with new experiences. Cecilia, a high school senior, said
“Our trip to Kohler, Wisconsin to visit the Kohler facilities has been one of the most beneficial trips I have been on. It has allowed me to see an amazing work environment that I want, and I’m grateful to College Possible for this opportunity.”
