When Chris Pupp first met with a Northwest Wisconsin CEP Workforce Systems Specialist (WSS), he was a junior at Mellen High School who knew exactly what he wanted to do when he grew up. Chris said that ever since he was a “little kid” he always wanted to be a Police Officer. Chris and the WSS talked about applying for college and federal financial aid as well as discussing how CEP and the WIOA Youth Program could help him reach his goals.
Shortly after Chris graduated high school, he was registered for Youth Services and lined up a summer work experience with The City of Mellen Public Works Department. During his time there, he quickly established the standard to which future summer workers will be compared.
Over the past two years, CEP through the WIOA Youth Program has helped Chris with tuition, mileage assistance, and a second summer work experience. Throughout his education, Chris has maintained a 3.55 GPA and earned over 60 college credits while finding his own way in the world.
Chris will graduate from Northwood Technical College with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Studies on May 19, 2017. If all goes as planned he will start the Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Academy in Rice Lake three days later. By the end of September he will be eligible to work as a certified Law Enforcement Officer—and, shortly after that, he will undoubtedly realize his childhood dream of becoming a Police Officer.