Laura Benisch

Laura Benisch serves as The Lincoln Academy’s Director of Career Planning and Partnerships, leading efforts to ensure all scholars graduate career- and college-ready. She oversees career exploration and work-based learning experiences across grade levels, aligning opportunities with each scholar’s individualized learning plan. Through her work, The Lincoln Academy aims to graduate every scholar prepared to enroll in college, enlist in the armed services, or secure employment in a living-wage job.

Laura collaborates closely with local businesses to build partnerships that expand real-world learning opportunities and support the school’s mission. Prior to joining The Lincoln Academy, she served as Work-Based Learning Coordinator at a high school in Wisconsin, where she developed the program from the ground up, placing more than 60 scholars in internships and work experiences, 30 of whom earned Youth Apprenticeship certificates. On average, over 40 graduating seniors earned industry-recognized certifications under her leadership.

Laura holds a B.S.E. in Business and Marketing Education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, an M.A. in Educational Leadership from National Louis University, and a Career and Technical Education Certificate from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.

Committed to scholar success and workforce readiness, she brings expertise in partnership development, career education, and program management to The Lincoln Academy. In her free time, Laura enjoys traveling with her husband and son.