DPI awarded $1.5M grant to advance career and technical education across state, partner with workforce

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today announced it has been awarded a $1.475 million per year federal grant to aid public schools in improving and modernizing career and technical education, in addition to ensuring workforce skills taught in programming align with labor market needs. The grant will be funded for three years with the potential for two additional years.

 

The announcement from the U.S. Department of Education comes just as Gov. Tony Evers declared 2024 “The Year of the Worker” in his State of the State Address, and just before Career and Technical Education Month, as proclaimed by State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly.

 

“We must break down barriers so that every kid can access meaningful learning, relevant to their interests and goals in life. That’s an essential function of public education, and to ensuring the future success of our state,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “That’s why I am so excited to see this investment in Wisconsin, and so looking forward to seeing the innovation career and technical education continues to drive. Our incredible students, educators, families, and businesses across the state will all truly benefit.”

 

The DPI was one of just 19 grantees selected to receive a combined $25 million out of more than 160 applications from 43 states and the District of Columbia. The grant funding is part of the first-ever Perkins Innovation and Modernization, Career Connected High Schools Grant Program, a three-year grant program launched by the Biden-Harris Administration in 2023.

 

In addition to helping high schools develop meaningful high-quality, career-connected programs, grant funding will also support Wisconsin schools in partnering with business and industry, a key to helping meet the state’s workforce challenges.

 

Additional information on how to connect with this project will be publicly available in the coming months. For future updates on this grant and more information on career and technical education in Wisconsin, visit the DPI’s website.