Wisconsin Innovation Grant Will Help Working Families

“These investments will make a big difference for our workers, families and communities …”

December yielded a gift for Madison College and the community.

During his December 16 visit to Truax Campus, Governor Tony Evers announced the college would receive up to $2.9 million to develop in-demand skills training in childcare, advanced manufacturing, health care and information technology.

Madison College is among a dozen regional projects that will receive a total of nearly $60 million in Workforce Innovation Grants to develop long-term solutions to the state’s workforce challenges.

The projects will be funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. A second round of grants will be awarded in 2022.

“Wisconsin has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and we have high labor participation, but our state faces long-standing workforce challenges that existed for years before the pandemic,” said Gov. Evers. “These investments will make a big difference for our workers, families and communities, and the long-term success of our state.”

President Daniels added, “We know working families often face barriers to accessing higher education and the higher earnings that result from advanced training or a college degree. Access to high-quality childcare and family-sustaining wages are critical to eliminating barriers to accessing higher education and supporting the success of all in our diverse communities.”

On February 1, Goodman South Campus hosted a roundtable discussion to begin deciding how to allocate the funds. Madison College stakeholders were joined by leaders from the state Department of Administration, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.