WTCS critical to Grow Wisconsin
Governor Jim Doyle has released the third in his series of Grow Wisconsin initiatives. First introduced in September 2003, Grow Wisconsin is Governor Doyle's plan to develop the Wisconsin economy and create good-paying jobs. Like the previous versions of Grow Wisconsin , the Governor's newest set of initiatives rely on the technical colleges to prepare Wisconsin workers for success in an evolving economy.
The most recent version of Grow Wisconsin creates $1.5 million in Opportunity Grants meant to assist working-age adults increase their educational attainment. There are currently over 700,000 working age adults in Wisconsin with a high school diploma but no postsecondary education. Opportunity Grants of up to $1,000 would be available to train working-age adults not eligible for technical college financial aid. Grants would support individuals seeking training in high-demand occupations.
The plan also would provide Emerging Industry Skills Partnership grants totaling $850,000 to technical colleges, industry and workforce development boards with the capacity to train workers in emerging industries such as biotechnology and renewable energy.
Grow Wisconsin calls for the creation of pilot curricula that contextualizes basic skills education. Adult students enrolled in the program would simultaneously receive adult basic education and occupational training in a high-demand occupation.
The Governor also proposes expanding Youth Apprenticeship by adding new occupational areas and creating better connections between Youth Apprenticeship to adult apprenticeships.