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  2. News Room
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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 16, 2025
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

$1 Million in Wisconsin Fast Forward Technical Education Equipment Training Grants Available to Wisconsin School Districts

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced that about $1 million in expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward funding is available to Wisconsin school districts to help train students for future careers in advanced manufacturing and construction, filling critical workforce needs.

Grant amounts will range from $5,000 to $100,000 and will be available for school districts that demonstrate need for funding to prepare students to strengthen Wisconsin's future skilled workforce. These funds will support projects in advanced manufacturing or construction fields, including machining and controls, biotechnology, robotics, healthcare and medicine, and warehousing.

"Our future workforce success relies on preparing students to fill the needs in many key industries, including construction and advanced manufacturing, said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "We're excited to partner with Wisconsin educators through these technical education equipment grants to connect students with opportunities to learn the skills that industry needs."

Technical Education Equipment Training grants reimburse school districts for the costs of buying and installing technical education equipment used for vocational training and technical education in advanced manufacturing and construction fields. Funds also cover the cost for equipment operation software and instructional materials. Grants benefit students and their families by reducing higher education costs through dual enrollment credits, industry-endorsed certificates, and technical endorsements on high school diplomas.

Applications must be emailed by 3 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

Find additional information or download an application on the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program website.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.