For immediate release:  February 27, 2012
Contacts:   Morna Foy, 608-266-2449, morna.foy@wtcsystem.edu
                Kyle Schwarm, 608-266-0050, kyle.schwarm@wtcsystem.edu

Technical colleges receive grants to help disadvantaged students

         MADISON – Five Wisconsin technical colleges will have additional resources to help more students succeed in postsecondary education through grants from Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation (Great Lakes). The grants, totaling roughly $450,000, are funded through the Great Lakes 2012 Academic Preparedness Program. Funded programs must demonstrate an increase in the number of disadvantaged students who start and complete a degree, certificate, or credential beyond high school.

         Blackhawk Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College and Mid-State Technical College will receive Wisconsin Educational Growth Grants. These grants will help prepare high school and returning adult students for the rigors of higher education. More than 1,000 students will benefit from these three programs.

         Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College will receive Wisconsin Summer Learning Grants, which provide academic support in reading and math to 100 new and returning college students.

         "The Great Lakes grants fund a number of our programs around the state and help provide opportunities for students who would not otherwise have a chance for success in college and in their future careers," stated Dan Clancy, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System. "The funds will help improve the future outlook for the students and their families."

         Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges 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. The technical colleges have been making futures for 100 years. Learn more at www.witechcolleges.org.

         Editor's Notes:
         Wisconsin Education Growth Grant Recipients College (City) / Program

• Blackhawk Technical College (Janesville) Preparing for Postsecondary Success: This $300,000 grant will fund a program providing pre-college courses and services to 100 high school seniors and 1,050 adult learners with skill gaps, allowing them to avoid remedial or adult basic education classes.
• Chippewa Valley Technical College (Eau Claire) Collaboration for Achieving Postsecondary Success: A $27,499 grant will place 25 disadvantaged high school students in summer school coursework at Chippewa Valley Technical College. A team teaching model with additional mentoring, basic skills instruction, and follow-up during the school year will help improve students’ academic outcomes.
• Mid-State Mid-State Technical College (Wisconsin Rapids) Pre-Program Preparation Project: A grant of $53,793 will expand the existing Pathways Project to serve 48 twelfth grade students at two Wisconsin Rapids high schools. Improving students’ math and reading skills will allow them to test out of post-secondary remedial course work.

         Wisconsin Summer Learning Grant Recipients College (City) / Program

• Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Educational Foundation, Inc. (Green Bay) Fostering Futuremakers Summer Camp 2012: A $7,457 grant will enable 20 college freshmen who have been in foster care to attend a one-week residential summer learning program and receive instruction in math, reading, and science skills. The goal is to increase the participants’ test scores by at least five points and prepare them to enter postsecondary education.
• Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (Shell Lake) Summer Learning Program: A $62,205 grant will support 80 returning adult students. The Summer Learning Program will increase college readiness in reading, writing, and math by one grade level. Upon completion, students will have the academic and personal skills necessary for success.