MONROE — Green County will see increased workforce development in skilled trades with a $2M grant awarded to Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), and a partnership with Monroe High School.

GCDC will work with the School District of Monroe to expand the current plans for the new Monroe High School trades area to help address workforce skills challenges in Green County.  The center will create an environment that fosters hands-on learning, cultivating essential skills and knowledge necessary for success in high-demand industries. 

 “This trade center is an innovative solution to pressing community challenges throughout the county, specifically in relation to skilled metal, construction, and automotive workers. While this facility will be housed in Monroe High School, we are working to ensure that it is accessible to all Green County students and our industry partners. Through this collaboration, we envision a comprehensive strategy that combines educational excellence with economic development to create a thriving and sustainable future for Green County” stated GCDC’s Executive Director Olivia Otte.

Monroe High School Principal, Jeriamy Jackson, had this to say about the funds, “We are very excited to hear the news of this grant approval!  We have been working hard to design and build spaces within the new Monroe High School that house our metals manufacturing, welding, automotive and construction trades programs and this grant will help to improve these spaces and give our students even better opportunities. This increased space allows us to develop even more hands-on, real-world experiences to spark student interest and increase student skill levels to meet industry standards.”

GCDC was one of 50 Non-State Grant Program projects awarded and will receive $2M to support a trades center to be housed in the new Monroe High School. These grants are targeted at bolstering critical infrastructure and services, including economic and workforce development. 

“I was glad to launch the Non-State Grant Program last year because an investment in local capital projects like these is an investment in local jobs and economies and improving public services and the quality of life for Wisconsinites statewide. I’m incredibly excited about these projects and the investments we’re making in communities in every corner of Wisconsin — this is great news for our state,” Gov. Tony Evers said.

GCDC is a non-profit public/private partnership organization fostering economic growth that maintains the quality of life that makes Green County a great place to live and work. 

For more information on this and other projects of GCDC, contact them at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com, call 608-328-9452 or visit their website at www.greencountydevelopment.com.