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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
Oct. 12, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

DWD Accepting Proposals for Nearly $1 Million in Wisconsin Fast Forward Funds for Technical Education Equipment in Schools

Applications for advanced manufacturing tool and equipment grants are due 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5

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

Under the Expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward program, nearly $1 million in grant funds are available to help Wisconsin school districts teach students to use advanced manufacturing tools and equipment. The awards, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, will support equipment purchases and student training in technical fields that offer challenging and rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing.

"These grants help strengthen our state's talent pipeline for in-demand careers in manufacturing, whose importance to our state's economy is highlighted through Gov. Evers' proclamation of October as Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. "We encourage school districts to develop grant proposals that focus on cutting-edge manufacturing equipment as well as related skills training that will allow students to use the equipment effectively."

The grants will reimburse school districts for the purchase and installation of technical education equipment, including costs for equipment operation software and instruction materials. The equipment will be used for vocational training and technical education in advanced manufacturing fields.

This grant program helps students transition from high school into the workforce by supporting technical education. It 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. Central Standard Time (CST) on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

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.