Northwood Tech News

Northwood Technical College is relocating its Ladysmith Outreach Center to the newly renovated Ladysmith Rec Center at 624 E. 6th Street, beginning July 1. Renamed as the Northwood Tech Ladysmith Workforce Accelerator, this location will enhance access to adult education, workforce training, and testing services in a community-focused location.

The new location is part of a project by the City of Ladysmith to transform the former Ladysmith Elementary School into a multi-use community space. Northwood Tech’s move to the Ladysmith Rec Center continues its long-time partnership with the City and reinforces the College’s commitment to serving the residents of Ladysmith and surrounding area through education and workforce development.

“We’re excited to continue services in Ladysmith and Rusk County in a new location that aligns well with our programming,” said Alan Christianson, Ladysmith City Administrator. “The City has always supported the College, and we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate in this meaningful way.”

“The City of Ladysmith has created an outstanding space,” added Northwood Tech President Dr. John Will. “We’re proud to partner with the City and Powerhouse Youth Center in a location that brings youth services, adult education, and workforce training together. This move reflects our commitment to making education more accessible and impactful for the region.”

Enhanced Services Available to Area Residents

Northwood Tech will continue to provide GED® instruction in the new Ladysmith Workforce Accelerator. The site will also provide direct support for individuals looking to apply, register or pay for adult education, life and leisure courses, or undergraduate classes. The facility will also operate as a certified Pearson VUE testing center. Additional services include Accuplacer placement testing and access to both online and in-person classes.  In the future, the location may be used to host the College’s mobile training labs and equipment. 

Transforming a Former School into a Community Hub

The Ladysmith Rec Center is part of a $14 million adaptive reuse project spearheaded by the City of Ladysmith to convert the former elementary school and school grounds, originally built in 1958 with additions in the 1980s, into a multi-purpose facility. The project includes 40 affordable workforce housing units, indoor recreation areas, a concrete skate park and Rusk County’s first ADA-accessible playground.

The Rec Center also includes a gymnasium and a multipurpose room with a kitchen. The spaces are available to the public for events such as club meetings, vendor fairs, private celebrations and other community gatherings. To make a reservation, individuals can contact Ladysmith City Hall at 715.532.2655.

Youth Education through the Powerhouse Youth Center

Also housed within the Rec Center, the Powerhouse Youth Center will service students in grades six through 12. The program offers weekly family-style meals, academic tutoring during the school year, and enrichment activities such as music, games and like-skills development. The program is designed to support local youth through meaningful experiences that build confidence and promote engagement. 

A Shared Vision for Community Growth

With both Northwood Tech and Powerhouse Youth Center operating under one roof, the Ladysmith Rec Center is a space to bring people together through education, recreation and opportunity. With services geared toward youth and adults, both organizations are creating a hub where learning and connection can thrive.