Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced today the recipients of nearly $60 million in federal funds, from the American Rescue Plan Act, aimed at developing long-term solutions to the state’s workforce challenges.

Several programs in southeastern Wisconsin received funding through the Workforce Innovation Grant program, which is a collaboration of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and Department of Workforce Development.

Gateway Technical College will receive up to $5.6 million for the Southeast Wisconsin’s Talent Optimization Project. The project will offer a four-week pre-High School Equivalency Diploma program, followed by a 16-week Work Ready HSED program. Courses will be offered in-person and online (both during the day and in the evening), transportation and childcare services will be sourced as needed, and individual case management will provide support services and guidance to keep students on track, according to the announcement.

The goal of the program – which serves Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties – is to address the urgent need for educated workers in high-demand fields and the large number of adults who lack high school credentials.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and partner agencies will receive up to $3.3 million to fund the Ready Center Collective. A partnership of Milwaukee Public Schools, Employ Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Herzing University and more than a dozen employers, the RCC is designed to increase the rate of Milwaukee teens involved in the workforce. The training building will include seven classroom training spaces, and the program will provide teens the opportunity to sample career pathways, immerse themselves in occupational skills training experiences and engage in internships and apprenticeships.

The City of Kenosha will receive up to $990,000 to bring gener8tor’s gBETA program to the city. The program will work specifically with startup founders of color and women founders in Kenosha. gBETA will provide coaching, mentorship and networking needed to develop the workforce of entrepreneurs in the city to build sustainable companies.

Read more at the BizTimes.