Wisconsin Technical College System: To lead development of advanced manufacturing programs

Contacts: Morna Foy, 608-266-2449, morna.foy@wtcsystem.edu

Kathy Cullen, 608-266-9939, kathleen.cullen@wtcsystem.edu

MADISON – The Wisconsin Technical College System was one of six states awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to promote Rigorous Career and Technical Education Programs of Study. The Wisconsin Technical College System will receive $258,400 per year for up to four years to design and implement the Wisconsin Advanced Manufacturing Pathway (AMP) education initiative.

A program of study is a comprehensive, structured approach for delivering academic and career and technical education to prepare students for postsecondary education and career success, while advancing Wisconsin’s capacity to deliver first-rate advanced manufacturing education. “Wisconsin’s technical colleges are making tremendous progress in establishing rigorous programs of study; the System’s grant application received some of the highest scores,” stated Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier, Assistant Secretary of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education. “I want to congratulate the Wisconsin Technical College System and thank you for being a national leader in efforts to improve career opportunities for all.” The five other award recipients include Arizona, Kansas, Maryland, Montana and Utah.

The federal grants promote development and implementation of rigorous programs of study in specific industry or academic areas. In addition, grant recipients will assess the impact of student participation in programs that link secondary and postsecondary education, combine academic, career and technical education in a structured sequence of courses, offer students opportunities to earn postsecondary credits for courses taken in high school, and lead to a postsecondary credential, certificate, or degree as outlined in the Education Department’s Programs of Study Design Framework.

“Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges are eager to ramp up our efforts to develop and refine the Wisconsin Advanced Manufacturing Pathway and this federal support will be a big help in moving the project forward,” stated System President Dan Clancy. “These new investments in two-year college innovations and the first-ever White House Summit on Community Colleges held today, signal a new national awareness of the importance of career and technical education programs for the country’s economic recovery and future success. We are excited to be a role model for successful initiatives across the country.”

The Wisconsin Technical College System has 16 technical college districts throughout Wisconsin, which offer more than 300 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, the System is the major provider of customized training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s business and industry community. More than half of all adults in Wisconsin have accessed the technical colleges for education and training. Find more about educational programs at http://www.witechcolleges.org.

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