The Workforce Innovation Grant Program rewards creativity, promotes sustainable regional collaboration and fosters local accountability and participation to address regional workforce challenges. A joint effort between WEDC and the Department of Workforce Development, the program provides each grant recipient up to $10 million in funding to help make their workforce solution plans a reality.

Explore the grant recipients map below to learn about these innovators.

Workforce Innovation Grant Program Summary

FUELING STATEWIDE INNOVATION
More than $128 million awarded in 27 Workforce Innovation Grants

COLLABORATING WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND STAKEHOLDERS
193 partners including 22 school districts, 11 technical colleges, eight UW Universities

ADDRESSING KEY WORKFORCE CHALLENGES
Barriers to entry, career training, child care, skills training, entrepreneurship, health services, housing, transportation

CREATING STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Providing direct benefit in all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties

Round 1 Workforce Innovation Grants

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee
Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire
City of Kenosha, Kenosha
Gateway Technical College, Racine
Green County YMCA, Monroe
Madison Area Technical College, Madison
Mid-State Technical College, Wisconsin Rapids
Operation Fresh Start, Madison
Sauk Prairie School District, Prairie du Sac
United Way of Door County, Sturgeon Bay
University of Wisconsin Administration, Madison
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire

Round 2 Workforce Innovation Grants

Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, Green Bay
Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Madison
Community Relations – Social Development Commission, Milwaukee
Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, Inc., West Allis
Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin, Menasha
Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Hayward
Lakeshore College, Cleveland
Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Milwaukee
MobiliSE, Milwaukee
Northwood Technical College, Rice Lake
Southwestern Wisconsin Technical College, Fennimore
Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation, New London
Wisconsin Community Action Program Association, Madison
Wisconsin Forestry Center, Stevens Point
Wisconsin Heights School District, Mazomanie

If you have any questions about the Workforce Innovation Grant program, please email us at Workforceinnovation@wedc.org

ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE INITIATIVES

The Workforce Innovation Grant Program is just one way the state of Wisconsin is working to solve some of the most important challenges in your region. Wisconsin’s more than $128 million commitment to developing workforce solutions also includes two additional programs:

  • The Worker Advancement Initiative offers subsidized employment and skills training opportunities with local employers.
  • The Worker Connection Program provides support for individuals attempting to reengage in the workforce and expand their opportunities in the post-pandemic economy.