A group of people standing outdoors on a lawn for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of a company sign that reads "Nolato." On the left, a man in a dark suit jacket uses oversized silver scissors to cut a long red ribbon held across the front of the group. The attendees are smiling and watching, dressed in a mix of casual attire, hoodies, and business suits.

Nolato-Blackhawk Education Center

Baldwin-Woodville Area School District

September 18, 2026

Today marked a major milestone for local workforce development and experiential learning as community leaders, educators, and industry partners gathered for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Nolato-Blackhawk Education Center.

The newly opened facility bridges classroom learning and real-world application, offering students direct pathways into high-demand careers. By pairing hands-on experiences with local industry expertise, the center equips students with the technical skills, confidence, and career direction necessary for success after graduation.

The Nolato-Blackhawk Education Center is a collaborative initiative dedicated to empowering students through practical training, industry mentorship, and career-focused education. By uniting local business leaders and public school educators, the center helps students build sustainable career pathways before graduation.

The morning ceremony featured remarks from local, regional, and state leaders:

  • Dr. Mark Foster, Work-Based Learning Coordinator

  • Chad Brakke, Baldwin-Woodville Area School District Superintendent

  • April Robelia, Nolato-Contour

  • Leslie Burton, NBEC student

  • Dr. Jill Underly, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

The event concluded with an official ribbon cutting joined by representatives from the School Board, the Chamber of Commerce, CESA 11, GPS Ed and student leaders.