Grant builds on school and business partnership

Technology education at Medford Area Senior High School is getting a boost thanks to a state grant and partnership with area businesses.

On Monday, Gov. Tony Evers together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), announced 11 Wisconsin school districts will receive more than $414,000 in grant funding to increase the number of students in career and technical education programs. Funded through the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program, the grants will help prepare more than 1,400 students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and highdemand careers. “We are committed to helping Wisconsin’s young people get the kind of highdemand, high-skill job training they need to be prepared to join our state’s workforce,” said Gov. Evers. “This is exactly the kind of collaboration and initiative we strive for in our relationships with school districts, employers, and our agency partners to help support student’s success and bolster the future of our workforce in some of Wisconsin’s most critical industries.”

“This latest round of funding will broaden educational and employment opportunities for some 1,400 students in more than a dozen rural and underserved communities statewide,” said DWD Secretary- designee Amy Pechacek. “These Wisconsin Fast Forward investments are part of DWD’s proven strategy to expand our future workforce with homegrown talent. Going forward, the economic impact of these grants will be multiplied as the students gain new skills, employers gain a competitive edge, and communities gain new vitality.”

The Medford Area Public School District will receive $50,000 in grant funds to purchase a ShopSabre Sidekick 4 Plasma System, an Auto Electronics Trainer, a Grizzly G9933-3HP Three Spindle Shaper, a Grizzly G0490X - 8” x 76” Jointer with Parallelogram Beds and Spiral Cutterhead, and a ShopSabre RC-9 Router System for its technical education program, allowing students to become familiar with cutting-edge technology used in manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries. “Thank you to all of our area’s advanced manufacturing businesses who helped make this grant happen through their generous donations. This funding will provide our Medford Area Senior High School tech ed department with computerized systems and equipment that match what our local industries use. Before this grant, students created their projects using equipment that dated back as far as WWII,” said school district curriculum director Laura Lundy.

As part of the grant process, the school district sought partnerships with industry and other groups to secure the state grant funds. Project support came from the following businesses and groups: Weather Shield Windows and Doors $10,000, Nicolet Bank $10,000, Ann Marie Foundation $8,500, James Peterson and Sons $5,000, Huotari Construction $5,000, Findorff $2,000, Forward Bank $5,000, Enerquip $5,000, Deluxe Plastics $445. In addition the school district pledged $52,449 to the purchase of new equipment.

In addition to the cash donations, companies donated equipment. Brandy’s Tool & Supply pledged a Snap-On Triton D10 Intelligent Diagnostics Platform and 1 Year Data Plan valued at $7,694 and a Snap-On TPMS5 valued at $1,720.

Medford Chrysler Center donated a Center Hunter Tire Changer (valued at $4,850) and Hunter Tire Balancer (valued at $3,850) with starter kit of accessories to operate and Black Creek Services donated an auto leveling laser, receiver, grade rod and stand.

Lundy said they will be continuing to meet with area businesses and industries about ensuring that Medford schools is educating students to meet the job needs in the area.

“We will be continuing our discussions throughout the year. If any other manufacturing, construction and/or auto mechanic businesses would like to be part of this project, our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 20 from 3 - 4 pm at the Medford Area Senior High School,” she said. Contact Laura Lundy at 715-748-4620, 5525 if interested in attending.

Lundy noted at Monday’s school board meeting that the district learned that they had received the grant in April, but were not allowed to make it public until after the state’s formal announcement this week.

Other schools receiving the grant include: West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, Milwaukee County $44,540; Northern Ozaukee School District, Ozaukee County $12,835; Fall Creek School District, Eau Claire County $38,840; Unified School District of Antigo, Langlade County $50,000; Westby Area School District, Vernon County $10,305; Cedar Grove-Belgium School District, Sheboygan County $50,000; New Auburn School District, Chippewa County $15,645; Augusta Area School District, Eau Claire County $50,000; Clintonville Public School District, Waupaca, Shawano, and Outagamie Counties $50,000; and Whitehall School District, Trempealeau County $42,550.