Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Reggie Newson announced the agency is accepting applications for the first wave of grants under the $35.4 million expansion of the Wisconsin Fast Forward worker training grant program.
The expansion is part of Gov. Scott Walker’s Blueprint for Prosperity initiative.
Up to $1.5 million in Wisconsin Fast Forward-Blueprint for Prosperity funds are available for innovative proposals that target training to high school pupils with industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields.
“Gov. Walker’s vision to develop Wisconsin’s workforce includes equipping workers with skills in demand today and in the years to come, and that includes preparing young people for lifelong careers based on jobs that employers need to fill,” Newson said.
Focal points of the new grant program announcement for high school pupil worker training include:
- DWD’s Office of Skills Development is seeking applications from Wisconsin businesses in collaboration with school districts, educational partners and/or technical colleges to train and hire high school pupils.
- Potential grant amounts range from $5,000 to $150,000 per grantee. Grantees will need to match 50 percent of the grant amount through funds or in-kind sources.
- The deadline for grant applications is April 21.
- Successful graduates of the program should receive employment opportunities in recognized high-demand fields with industry-recognized certifications.
- Collaborations should define employer-driven workforce programs to train and hire high school pupils.
- Examples of potential partnerships include technical college/high school dual credit academies, work-based learning programs, and pre-apprenticeship models.
The GPA and application materials can be accessed at dwd.wisconsin.gov/wff/prosperity.
