The Ascendium Tools of the Trade grant is supporting 114 Madison College apprentices with $228,000 in grants.
A total of 114 students received individual awards of up to $2,000 to support their training as electricians, industrial electricians, plumbers, machinists and telecommunications installer technicians.
Apprentices can use the funds for training-related expenses such as tools, equipment, clothing and tuition.
“Apprenticeships create real opportunities, giving students a direct path to in-demand careers while helping employers build their workforce,” Madison College President Jennifer Berne said in a statement. “Ascendium’s support removes financial barriers so more of our students can succeed and contribute to Wisconsin’s economy.”
Ascendium has awarded more than $8.8 million in scholarships to over 5,000 apprentices across Wisconsin in the last 13 years.
The scholarship awards come at a crucial time.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s 2023-2025 biennial report, enrollment in Wisconsin apprenticeships saw an unprecedented year in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of record participation.
