Madison College Among Four Community and Technical Colleges in Wisconsin Receiving Educational Grants
Madison, Wis. (June 8, 2021) – The Agriculture and Rural Initiative, Compeer Financial’s donor advised fund, has granted $825,000 to community and technical colleges across the cooperative’s 144-county territory, including $50,000 to Madison College. As announced in January, the organization has committed $1.9 million in grants and scholarships over the next five years with the goal of further developing agriculture’s workforce. This announcement represents the first of three rounds of grants being presented.
“Because Compeer clients often list workforce development among their highest concerns, our board agreed that vocational agriculture education should be a high priority for the fund,” said Greg Nelson, a Compeer Financial Director. “Our partners in higher education provide opportunities for young adults in rural communities every day, and we hope this support will enhance those training programs to prepare them for a successful future in agriculture.”
Madison College is one of four community and technical colleges in Wisconsin receiving these grant dollars. Madison College’s Agriculture Equipment Technology program will use the grant for equipment & technology, student recruitment & outreach. This includes support for equipment updates and additions, and student recruitment to expand enrollment.
Many of the grants help to enhance the hands-on learning and real-world experiences offered to agriculture students at these institutions.
These grants will directly impact the lives of students studying agriculture and agriculture related fields and help to enhance the curriculum offered by faculty members and instructors.
The colleges were selected as partners based on their agricultural education offerings, agriculture workforce development and geographic impact.
The Agriculture and Rural Initiative was created by the Compeer Financial Board of Directors in 2019 to make signature investments in programs and projects that directly address the needs of farmers and others who work in agriculture.
“Community and Technical colleges provide one-of-a-kind educational opportunities, which are focused on the needs and careers in those communities,” said Nelson, of Spring Valley, Wis., “These grants are part of Compeer’s commitment to champion rural, by supporting our clients and communities, creating sustainable and long-term success in the industry.”
Compeer Financial Media Contact:
Nora Nolden, Communications Consultant: nora.nolden@compeer.com or (651) 245-6804
