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Skills Enhancement Program

WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN COMMUNITY ACTION

Foundation Workforce Development GrantsPoverty Alleviation Grants
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Skills Enhancement Program

Overview: Helps low-income workers increase their skills and get a higher paying job. The program supports those who are working but continue to struggle to make ends meet because they are not earning a 'living wage'.

Geographic Scope: Service area includes Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin.

Focus Areas:

  • Workforce readiness and job skills training

  • Career services and case management

  • Short-term training programs

  • Technical degree support

    • Key Benefits:

  • On average, participants make an additional $6.14 per hour, totaling an average of $17,407 more in annual salary earnings

  • Financial assistance for tuition, class supplies/books, home internet

  • Mileage reimbursement for school-related travel

  • Childcare reimbursement while attending class

  • Exploration of career options, including non-traditional occupations

  • Development of flexible part-time class schedules that fit work schedules

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older

  • Currently working at least 20 hours per week throughout the program

  • Income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines

  • Resident of Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, or St. Croix County

  • Due to limited funding, West CAP is the payer of last resort; all other sources of assistance must be explored first

    • Program Expectations:

  • Meet with Skills Enhancement Program staff for initial screening

  • Provide proof of employment and proof of household income

  • Develop a detailed Plan to meet career goals

  • Maintain regular monthly check-ins with staff

  • Continue working 20 hours each week while completing training

  • Inform staff of changes (address, phone, income, household members, etc.)

  • Complete and return all forms as requested

  • Participate in follow-up surveys after exiting the program

    • Contact Information:

  • Contact: Stephanie Stark, Adult Education Program Coordinator

  • Direct: 715-900-2148

  • Mobile: 715-410-4735

  • Fax: 715-265-7031

  • Email: sstark@wcap.org

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Initial Screening: Contact Stephanie Stark to schedule an initial screening meeting (can be done over the phone or in-person at a convenient location)
    2. Information Collection: During screening, provide information about:
    - Current job
    - Household details
    - Education/training/career goals
    - Barriers to employment
    - Timeline for training
    3. Eligibility Verification: If eligible to move forward, provide:
    - Proof of employment
    - Proof of household income
    4. Plan Development: Work with staff to develop a detailed Plan that includes:
    - Career goals
    - Short-term training program or technical degree requirements
    - How to increase wages and benefits
    5. Ongoing Participation: Maintain regular monthly check-ins with staff as you carry out your Plan

      Required Materials

    • Proof of current employment
    • Proof of household income
    • Identification and residency documentation (if not already on file)
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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    workforce-developmentpoverty-alleviation

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