DWD Awards Nearly $1 Million in Equipment Grants to 19 School Districts

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has awarded $998,114 in Wisconsin Fast Forward grants to 19 school districts throughout the state. The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment grants will benefit 4,223 students and help address the state’s skilled workforce shortage by supporting schools as they prepare students for quality jobs.

School districts will use the funding to expand career pathway options by upgrading technical education training equipment and facilities. Projects include modernizing and constructing welding labs, acquiring bioengineering equipment, and launching robotics programs.

“Fast Forward grants prepare our future workforce for careers in high-demand, high-skill industries,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “The state-of-the-art equipment, including robotic welders, laser cutters, 3D printers, and other high-tech tools, will enable schools to provide coursework that aligns with industry standards and strengthen our state’s workforce now and into the future.”

These grants may also reduce higher education costs for families through dual enrollment credits, industry-endorsed certificates, and technical endorsements on high school diplomas.

The Wisconsin Fast Forward program was expanded in 2018 to invest in the workforce of the future by reimbursing school districts to enhance or improve a technical education facility or acquire equipment used for in-demand fields. Since it expanded, the program has provided Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment grants of more than $8.1 million to over 249 Wisconsin school districts to help students transition from high school into the workforce and potentially reduce their higher education costs through dual enrollment credits and technical endorsements on high school diplomas.

The current round of Wisconsin Fast Forward grants from DWD totals $998,114 and will support the following projects:

Alma School District, Buffalo County | $10,197
Funds will be used to purchase cardboard inventor kits and tools, vinyl cutters, 3D printers, industrial printers, and mobile workstations to enhance the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. In addition, the district will construct a fabrication laboratory for hands-on learning in engineering and manufacturing.

Augusta School District, Eau Claire County | $6,000
The grant will be used to purchase a robotic Neuromaker Hand 2.0 and BioSensor Pack to draw additional students into the technical education programs and expose students to biotechnology and engineering.

Campbellsport School District, Fon du Lac County | $100,000
Funds will be used to purchase a Fuji Automatic Numerical Control (FANUC) Certified Industrial Robot Training Lab, which will enhance the district’s manufacturing curriculum by providing students with hands-on experience using industrial robots and prepare them for the technical demands of the workforce.

Durand-Arkansaw School District, Pepin County | $100,000
The grant will be used to purchase a modular robotic welding system built with industrial-grade FANUC and Miller Welding technology to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.

Elk Mound Area School District, Dunn County | $100,000
The district will use grants funds to purchase Amatrol Industry 4.0 Course 1 Learning Systems and FANUC Fenceless ER-4iA CERT package. The project will prepare students with the necessary skills for the fields of automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

Franklin Public School District, Milwaukee County | $36,148
Funds will be used to purchase a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Router, providing students with hands-on experience with manufacturing technology.

Lake Mills Area School District, Jefferson County | $5,195
Funds will be used to purchase three Miller Multimatic 220 Welders to support multiple welding processes and enhance the district’s metals manufacturing facility to meet current industry standards.

Lena Public School District, Oconto County | $7,625
The district will use grants funds to purchase a Scotchman 50514-EC Ironworker and an Ellis Bandsaw to replace outdated metal fabrication machinery. The equipment will help students become proficient in advanced manufacturing technical competencies and prepare them for in-demand metal fabrication and machine tool careers.

Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee County | $20,909
Funds will be used to purchase a Wazer Pro Waterjet CNC machine and a MO-240 VersaObject UV Flatbed Printer, which will enhance the school’s ability to deliver cutting-edge, industry-relevant technical education. Students will be able to develop fully customized projects and gain hands-on experience.

Mosinee School District, Marathon County | $100,000
This grant will be used to purchase a Miller MobileArc 5-Pak Welding System, Miller AugmentedArc Welding System, and FANUC Fenceless Certified Education Training (CERT) Package. The equipment will strengthen the school district’s technical education offerings and expand student career pathway opportunities.

Portage Community School District, Columbia County | $100,000
Funds will be used to upgrade equipment to current industry standards in their technical education department, preparing students for successful careers in advanced manufacturing and construction fields.

Random Lake School District, Sheboygan County | $60,000
The district will purchase a Peel 3D Scanner, MINDS-i Electric Car and Drone Lab, and a Resin 3D Printer, which will prepare students for in-demand careers by developing both technical skills and practical understanding.

Rosholt School District, Portage County | $5,782
Funds will be used to purchase a Scotchman Ironworker to replace outdated machinery with industry standard equipment.

School District of Beloit, Rock County | $100,000
This grant will be used to purchase a Miller/FANUC Robotic Weld Cell ARC Mate 50iD/7L, which will enhance the welding program by exposing students to robotic technologies and providing hands-on, industry-level experience, with the ability to earn industry-recognized credentials.

School District of Shiocton, Outagamie County | $50,000
The district will use grant funding to purchase a Trak K3 Knee Mill, a precision lathe, and Miller Welders, upgrading technical education equipment to industry-standard and aligning with the local industry skill needs.

Sparta Area School District, Monroe County | $7,499
Funds will be used to purchase a Miller-FANUC ARCMate 50iD/7L Robot Weld Cell to equip students with real-world training in industrial robotics, automation systems, and foundational metal fabrication.

Superior School District, Douglas County | $48,000
The district will use grant funds to purchase a Powder Coating System, Haas TL-1P Toolroom Lathe, Bambu Lab Combo 3D Printers with accessories, and a fixture plate with tooling and lathe tooling to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.

Union Grove School District, Racine County | $97,810
This grant will be used to purchase a Summit Precision Lathe and milling machine to prepare students with technical skills that meet regional workforce needs.

Waupaca School District, Waupaca County | $42,949
Funds will be used to purchase a Haas Desktop Lathe and starter kit, Haas Desktop Mill, Miller Welders, Bambu Lab X1 carbon fiber 3D printer, and a AR4-Mk3 Robot Arm Combo Kit with accessories to prepare students for careers in modern manufacturing.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.