Whitewater Times

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has awarded $206,130.68 in Regional Career and Education Equipment grants to eight school districts in Southeast Wisconsin. The funding aims to prepare students for quality jobs and address the state's skilled workforce shortage.

Schools will use the funds to upgrade career and technical education training equipment and facilities, including modernizing a manufacturing lab, launching a meat science laboratory, and providing tools for advanced culinary training.

Elkhorn Area School District received $24,541.97 from the grant. The money will be used to equip culinary students with hands-on training opportunities and allow them to earn industry-recognized credentials from the National Restaurant Association. This includes four free-standing electric range self-cleaning convection ovens, six large countertop microwaves, and an upright freezer.

"Each of these grants will help students develop foundational skills and prepare them for the workforce," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "By providing training in industries where skilled workers are in short supply, school districts are connecting students with stable careers. At the same time, schools are helping to reduce higher education costs through dual enrollment credits, industry-endorsed certificates, and technical endorsements."

These grants were funded by a 2020 donation from the IKEA US Community Foundation. The donation aimed to address workforce needs and improve racial equality in employment in school districts located in Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, and Milwaukee counties.