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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

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
Mar. 1, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

More Than $212,000 in Expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward Technical Education Equipment Grants Now Available to School Districts to Train Students

MADISON – School districts are encouraged to apply for the latest round of Wisconsin Fast Forward grants from the Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

Under the Expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward program, up to $212,617 in grant funds will be available to Wisconsin school districts to train students to use advanced manufacturing tools and equipment. Award amounts will range from $5,000 to $50,000 and will be available to Wisconsin school districts to train high school students in technical fields to help address Wisconsin's skilled worker shortage.

"Advanced manufacturing is a high-demand, high-skill, and growing industry here in Wisconsin," DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said. "The technical education equipment grants connect our future workforce to cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, preparing them for a career path in one of Wisconsin's strongest industries."

The grants will reimburse school districts for the purchase and installation costs of technical education equipment used in vocational training and technical education in advanced manufacturing fields, including costs for equipment operation software and instructional materials. The grant program helps students transition from high school into the workforce by supporting technical education and reduces higher education costs by providing dual enrollment credits, industry-endorsed certificates, and technical endorsements on high school diplomas.

Applications are due by 3 p.m. CST on Monday, April 3, 2023.

For additional information, or to download an application, please consult the Grant Program Announcement and related grant program materials 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 Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.