Skills Enhancement Program

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

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)