Concordia University Wisconsin is partnering with the Milwaukee-based social architecture firm NEWaukee to provide young professionals in the Milwaukee area with innovative low-cost, convenient learning opportunities during this month’s Young Professionals Week.

CUW’s YPWeek Academy offers a series of hour-long “pop-up” classes, taught by CUW experts, which will take place April 25-29 in The Shops of Grand Avenue–Plankinton Building. The Academy location puts classes near the other YPWeek events and offerings and makes it an accessible option for young professionals working in the metro area.

This is the first time classes of this sort have been offered during the annually celebrated YPWeek, which brings together community leaders to provide activities targeted at the millennial workforce and address issues most important to them.

“Concordia University Wisconsin’s YPWeek Academy is unlike any other programming we have offered in our five years of YPWeek,” said Rita DeMerit, NEWaukee project manager. “It offers attendees a tangible learning experience that they can use to further their professional development no matter what stage of their career they are in.”

The Academy courses occur daily during lunch, from noon to 1 p.m., and give participants the opportunity to learn valuable skills from leading professionals. CU speakers, topics and dates are:

• On Monday, April 25, “The New Social Currency: 10 Insights Toward a Better (Personal) Brand”– Sr. Vice President for Strategy and University Affairs Gretchen Jameson
• On Tuesday, April 26, “Functioning Above Entry Level”–Dr. Kenneth Harris, visiting professor and program chair for the Criminal Justice and Public Policy Program
• On Wednesday, April 27, “Becoming a Digital Influencer”–Michael Sapiro, executive director of media and marketing
• On Thursday, April 28, “Pitching Your Passion”–Erik Hollander, assistant professor of business and director of strategic growth and business development
• On Friday, April 29, “Building a Personal Learning Network”–Dr. Bernard Bull, assistant vice president of academics and associate professor of education

Those interested can attend as few or as many classes as they wish. Participants who attend all five Academy courses will receive a $25 discount and earn an exclusive Concordia University Digital Badge, an image demonstrating competency that can be displayed on digital profiles and resumes.

YPWeek Academy costs $27.24 for one day or $105.99 for the entire week. All Academy courses will take place at The Shops of Grand Avenue–Plankinton Building, 161 W. Wisconsin Ave. Suite #2200.

Registration is preferred. To register for the event or to learn more about the speakers and topics, visit goo.gl/xfq7iL.