Governor announces Innovation Grants to technical colleges | WTCS Skip to content

Governor announces Innovation Grants to technical colleges

Madison, WI – Governor Evers announced 12 regional projects in the first round of the Wisconsin Innovation Grant Program. These projects will receive up to $59.5 million in grants, including up to $27.5 million to four Wisconsin technical colleges.

Chippewa Valley Technical College 
Up to $10 million to address the need for skilled workers in metal fabrication across the manufacturing sector.

Gateway Technical College
Up to $5.6 million to address regional workforce challenges, including the urgent need for educated workers in high-demand fields and the lack of adults with high school credentials.

Madison Area Technical College 
Up to $2.9 million to address two significant pandemic-related workforce issues in South Central Wisconsin, including childcare and skills training for in-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. 

Mid-State Technical College 
Up to $9.0 million to support unemployed, underemployed, underserved communities and construction of the Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship Center in the region. 

Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) President Dr. Morna K. Foy issued the following statement on Governor Evers announcement:

“We appreciate this show of confidence in Wisconsin’s technical colleges. It does not come as a surprise to me or our System Board members that our colleges are leading the way in developing innovative, collaborative solutions to post-pandemic workforce training challenges. Technical colleges led throughout the pandemic and are now proving integral in establishing the way forward.”

ABOUT Wisconsin Technical College System

The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) offers more than 500 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas and certificates. In addition, the System is the major provider of customized instruction and consultation for Wisconsin employers. About 250,000 individuals access the technical colleges each year.