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Investing in the Future of Welding at Lake Mills High School

nical college, giving them an early start toward
their welding diploma. This not only prepares
students for advanced manufacturing careers
but also supports local industry partners who are
eager to hire skilled graduates.
The project would not have been possible
without the collaboration of local employers
who understand the importance of strong techni-
cal education programs. In addition to the DWD
grant, the school received $6,750 from local
businesses. Together with district funds, these
contributions allowed Lake Mills to transform
its welding program into a modern training space
that mirrors the needs of today’s workforce.
Students are working on equipment that
reflects what they will see in industry. They’re
gaining real-world experience, earning college
credit, and building skills that will serve them
The first metals class with the new equipment well after graduation. The support from the
Department of Workforce Development and
Jeff Lehr, Technology Education Teacher ture in the school’s welding booths. The update our industry partners shows that they believe matching funds become available. By doing so,
Lake Mills Area School District replaces welders that dated back as far as 1965, in investing in the next generation of skilled Lake Mills aims to stay at the forefront of tech-
Lake Mills High School is proud to be bringing the shop from single-process equipment workers. nical education and ensure that students remain
competitive in a rapidly changing workforce.
the recipient of a Department of Workforce to modern, versatile machines capable of mul- Lake Mills High School’s investment in As the welding sparks fly in the newly
Development (DWD) Award for Advanced tiple processes. The result is a more flexible and advanced welding aligns closely with Wiscon- equipped booths, one thing is clear: Lake Mills
Manufacturing Technical Education Equip- efficient welding space where every booth can sin’s statewide focus on career readiness and High School is not just teaching students to
ment. Thanks to this $5,100 grant, generous be used for multiple types of welding, maximiz- workforce development. With manufacturing weld—it is forging stronger connections between
local industry donations, and district support, ing the school’s limited space while expanding serving as a cornerstone of the state’s economy, education, industry, and the future of Wisconsin
the school’s welding program is entering a new student opportunities. programs like this play a critical role in ensur- manufacturing.
era of hands-on learning and career readiness for One of the biggest impacts of this upgrade ing that students are not only prepared for future
students. is the addition of a dual credit Gas Metal Arc careers but are also inspired to pursue them.
Lake Mills High School purchased four Welding course within the Metals Manufacturing The school plans to continue partnering
Miller Multimatic 220 multiprocess welders, four II class. Students who complete the course now with the Department of Workforce Development lakemills.k12.wi.us
tank carts, and upgraded the electrical infrastruc- earn two college credits through a nearby tech- in the future as new grant opportunities arise and

Mosinee School District Awarded $100,000 Fast Forward Grant to Expand

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Opportunities

District is a vision for • A Miller AugmentedArc Welding build confidence, and open doors to high-
graduates shaped by System demand careers. This grant is helping us shape
four foundational pillars: • A FANUC Fenceless Certified Edu- a brighter future—one student at a time,”
Student-Centered and cation Training Package with a added McCarty.
Inspirational, Community material-handling training arm The district is deeply appreciative of and
Impact Focused, Vision • A 3D area scanner extends its gratitude to its many partners who
and Legacy Driven, and made this possible.
Partnership and Gratitude These tools will give Mosinee students “This achievement was only possible
Emphasis. This award hands-on learning experiences with the same through the partnership of our community and
reflects and strengthens advanced technologies used in today’s top industry leaders. Together, we are equipping
each of those pillars, industries. By working with this equipment, students with the skills to thrive and ensuring
ensuring students are pre- graduates will be College and Career Ready at Mosinee remains a place where education and
pared to succeed both in an industry standard, gaining an advantage as opportunity go hand in hand,” said Superin-
their own lives and in the they pursue higher education, apprenticeships, tendent Doverspike.
broader community. or immediate employment. With this investment, Mosinee is prepar-
“This award ensures “This grant represents an incred- ing students to explore, innovate, and thrive
Mosinee School District that our students will gain real-world skills on ible investment in our students’ futures. With in high-demand fields while strengthening the
The Mosinee School District is proud and the same technology driving today’s indus- access to cutting-edge technology, Mosinee region’s economic future. Together, the com-
grateful to announce that it has been selected tries. It’s an investment that strengthens both students will graduate not only prepared for munity and schools are building a brighter
as a recipient of the Wisconsin Department of our graduates and the future of our commu- college and career, but ready to lead in tomor- tomorrow for Mosinee students—and for gen-
Workforce Development’s Fast Forward Grant. nity,” said Greg Doverspike, Superintendent. row’s workforce,” said Thomas McCarty, erations to come.
DWD awarded $100,000 for the district’s pro- Through this grant, the district will Director of Innovation and Strategic Growth.
posal to expand Advanced Manufacturing and acquire several pieces of cutting-edge equip- The impact of this investment will be felt
Engineering opportunities, accelerating the ment: long after the equipment is installed.
progress already underway. • A Miller Mobile Arc 5-Pak Welding “For years to come, students in Mosinee mosineeschools.org
At the heart of the Mosinee School System will have opportunities that spark innovation,