The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) on Thursday announced that roughly $1 million in expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward funding is available to Wisconsin school districts to help train students for future careers in advanced manufacturing and construction.

Grant amounts will range from $5,000 to $100,000 and will be available for school districts that demonstrate need for funding to prepare students to strengthen Wisconsin’s future skilled workforce. These funds will support projects including machining and controls, biotechnology, robotics, health care and medicine, and warehousing.

Technical Education Equipment Training grants reimburse school districts for the costs of buying and installing technical education equipment used for vocational training and technical education in advanced manufacturing and construction fields. Funds also cover the cost for equipment operation software and instructional materials. Grants benefit students and their families by reducing higher education costs through dual enrollment credits, industry-endorsed certificates, and technical endorsements on high school diplomas.

Applications must be emailed by 3 p.m. on Feb. 18. Applications and additional information are available here.