For the Tomahawk Leader

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is encouraging school districts to apply for its latest round of Fast Forward grants.

A release from DWD said that under the Expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward program, up to $212,617.00 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 $5,000.00 to $50,000.00 and will be available to Wisconsin school districts to train high school students in technical fields to help address Wisconsin’s skilled worker shortage, according to DWD.

“Advanced manufacturing is a high-demand, high-skill and growing industry here in Wisconsin,” said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. “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,” DWD stated.

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

For additional information, or to download an application, visit www.wisconsinfastforward.com/.