Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Grant - She Drives the Future

Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Grant

Funder: U.S. Department of Labor

Award Amount: $750,000

Duration: Two-year grant

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Racine, Northeast Wisconsin, and Northwest Wisconsin)

Program Name: She Drives the Future

Overview

The WANTO grant supports the expansion of She Drives the Future, a 12-week pre-apprenticeship program that combines Entry-Level Construction Skills (ELCS) training curriculum with commercial driver's license (CDL) preparation. The program addresses workforce shortages in construction, transportation, and skilled trades while increasing representation of women in these industries.

Key Details

• Target Participants: At least 60 Wisconsin women (training provided at no cost)
• Program Duration: 12 weeks
• Initial Locations: Milwaukee and Racine (2026), expanding to Northeast and Northwest Wisconsin (2027)
• Focus Areas: Construction, transportation, skilled trades

Training Components

• CDL permit preparation
• New driver orientation and assessment
• Classroom instruction
• OSHA certification
• First aid/CPR
• Hands-on projects
• Industry-recognized certifications
• Incentive payments for meeting program milestones

Context

• Wisconsin is projected to add 14,000+ construction jobs by 2032
• Women comprise only 9% of construction workers and 6% of CDL holders in Wisconsin
• WRTP | BIG STEP is the program operator

Contact Information

WRTP | BIG STEP Headquarters:
• Address: 3841 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208
• Phone: (414) 342-9787
• Email: milwaukee@wrtp.org
• Website: wrtp.org