Community Engagement

Wisconsin's technical colleges, as responsive local units of government, are woven into the fabric of the diverse communities they serve – urban and rural, large and small – throughout the state.

In a rapidly changing marketplace, our unique connections to employers – from multinational to Main Street – allow us to consistently increase the economic vitality of students, employers, and communities throughout Wisconsin.

Each year, the Wisconsin Technical College System Board convenes four of its six meetings on the road, at technical colleges in communities throughout the state. At these meetings, the Board presents the WTCS Futuremaker Partner award to a local business or organization to recognize the collaboration between that organization and the host college.

While the award is from and is presented by the WTCS Board, the host college identifies the recipient based on the extent to which the partner engages the college in areas including:

• contributing to curriculum development and modification as a member of one or more program advisory committees;
• providing financial and other material support of students and programs, including contributing to scholarships or other fundraising efforts, or donating equipment;
• being a ready and reliable partner in the delivery of career awareness and exploration activities or initiatives;
• providing internships or clinicals;
• routinely employing graduates; and
• supporting lifelong learning by providing tuition assistance and the opportunity to continue one’s education.