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Portage High School Awarded Fast Forward Grants to Launch

ACE Academy

Portage Community School District manufacturing courses collaborate on large-scale
Portage High School (PHS) is proud to builds that reflect real industry workflows.
announce it has been awarded two Wisconsin By strengthening both the technical and
Fast Forward Advanced Manufacturing Tech- safety infrastructure of its labs, PHS ensures that
nical Education Equipment Grants from the students develop the workplace readiness skills
Department of Workforce Development (DWD). and professional habits that employers seek,
These competitive awards, each for $100,000, while also fostering teamwork, communica-
were made possible through support from the tion, and problem-solving skills that extend far
Portage Community School District and AGC beyond the classroom.
of Wisconsin. Together, they provided match-
ing funds that will transform technical education Looking Ahead
opportunities at PHS. The Fast Forward Grants, together with
The funding will be used to purchase state- community and industry support, represent a
of-the-art equipment and install an air quality pivotal moment for PHS and the Portage com-
filtration system that protects both students and munity. With its Capital Campaign underway,
instructors in construction, welding, and man- the ACE Academy continues to build strong part-
ufacturing spaces. These improvements will nerships with local leaders and businesses who
ensure that PHS students train in a safe, modern recognize the importance of investing in future
environment that mirrors today’s industry stan- benefit, as PHS graduates enter the workforce talent.
dards. Benefits for Students and the with strong technical foundations and problem- “These grants affirm the value of our vision
The grants arrive as Portage High School Community solving abilities. for the ACE Academy,” Garrigan said. “We are
continues its Capital Campaign to build a new The impact of these grants extends well “This is about more than new machines,” deeply grateful to DWD, PCSD, and AGC of
ACE Academy (Architecture, Construction, beyond the walls of PHS. With updated equip- said Garrigan. “It’s about creating opportunities Wisconsin for their support, and excited to share
and Engineering Academy) facility. The new ment and safe, modern labs, students will gain for students to see themselves in these careers, to the success of our students with communities
space will house cutting-edge labs, industry- hands-on skills in construction, welding, and gain confidence in their skills, and to fill critical across Wisconsin.”
aligned equipment, and expanded programming machining that prepare them for immediate workforce needs across our state.” As new equipment and safety systems are
designed to prepare students for the high-demand employment or further technical education. Cer- integrated into classrooms and labs this year,
careers shaping Wisconsin’s economy. tifications earned through the ACE Academy, Strengthening Current Programs students at Portage High School will have more
“Receiving these two grants is a game- paired with dual-credit partnerships with a The grants directly enhance existing career opportunities than ever before to prepare for
changer for our students,” said Dr. Jennifer Jones nearby college, provide students with a head start and technical education programming at PHS. rewarding careers in the skilled trades, ensuring
Garrigan, Principal of Portage High School. “Not toward careers in advanced manufacturing, engi- Students enrolled in construction, engineering, that Wisconsin’s workforce remains strong, inno-
only will we be able to invest in advanced equip- neering, and construction. manufacturing, and automotive pathways will vative, and ready for the future.
ment, but the addition of a modern air quality For many students, this means leaving high immediately benefit from upgraded lab spaces
system ensures that safety is a top priority. This school not only with a diploma but also with and safety systems. These updates also support
is a critical step forward as we work to make industry-recognized credentials and practical the ACE Academy’s long-term vision: providing
the ACE Academy a regional hub for hands-on, experience that make them highly employable. an integrated, hands-on learning environment www.portage.k12.wi.us
career-focused learning.” Local businesses and industry partners also where students in construction, design, and

DWD Awards Nearly $1 Million in Equipment Grants Continued from Page 1

Training (CERT) Package. The equipment *Rosholt School District, Portage *School District of Shiocton, Printers with accessories, and a fixture plate
will strengthen the school district’s technical with tooling and lathe tooling to prepare stu-
education offerings and expand student career County  $5,782 Outagamie County  $50,000 dents for high-demand careers in advanced
pathway opportunities. (See Page 18) (See Page 7) manufacturing.
Funds will be used to purchase a Scotch- The district will use grant funding to
*Portage Community School District, Union Grove School District, Racine
man Ironworker to replace outdated machinery purchase a Trak K3 Knee Mill, a precision
Columbia County  $100,000 with industry standard equipment. lathe, and Miller Welders, upgrading technical County  $97,810
(See Page 8) *School District of Beloit, Rock County education equipment to industry-standard and This grant will be used to purchase a
Funds will be used to upgrade equipment aligning with the local industry skill needs. Summit Precision Lathe and milling machine
to current industry standards in their technical  $100,000 Sparta Area School District, Monroe to prepare students with technical skills that
education department, preparing students for (See Page 4) meet regional workforce needs.
successful careers in advanced manufacturing This grant will be used to purchase a County  $7,499 Waupaca School District, Waupaca
and construction fields. Miller/FANUC Robotic Weld Cell ARC Mate Funds will be used to purchase a Miller-
50iD/7L, which will enhance the welding FANUC ARCMate 50iD/7L Robot Weld Cell County  $42,949
Random Lake School District, to equip students with real-world training in Funds will be used to purchase a Haas
program by exposing students to robotic
Sheboygan County  $60,000 technologies and providing hands-on, indus- industrial robotics, automation systems, and Desktop Lathe and starter kit, Haas Desktop
The district will purchase a Peel 3D try-level experience, with the ability to earn foundational metal fabrication. Mill, Miller Welders, Bambu Lab X1 carbon
Scanner, MINDS-i Electric Car and Drone industry-recognized credentials. Superior School District, Douglas fiber 3D printer, and a AR4-Mk3 Robot Arm
Lab, and a Resin 3D Printer, which will Combo Kit with accessories to prepare stu-
prepare students for in-demand careers by County  $48,000 dents for careers in modern manufacturing.
developing both technical skills and practical The district will use grant funds to pur- Courtesy of the Department of Workforce
understanding. chase a Powder Coating System, Haas TL-1P Development
Toolroom Lathe, Bambu Lab Combo 3D