Madison Reporter

Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg, and Watertown have been recognized by The Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) for their innovative and accessible education services for rural Wisconsin learners.

The RCCA Innovation & Access award was given to the regional campus Career Discovery Youth Camps. These camps offer programs in nursing, aviation, Safesitter, EMS, welding, metal fabrication, triple C, and mini-manufacturing world. They provide youth in grades 7-12 the opportunity to explore potential careers at Madison College's regional campuses.

Madison College's regional campuses also received the Workforce Development & Innovation award. This award highlights programs that have significantly impacted institutional and student success and shows a commitment to excellence in workforce development and innovation.

As part of its mission to support rural campuses, Madison College has implemented strategies to address workforce shortages and changing demographics. These strategies include regional contract work with English Language Learner (ELL) populations, collaborations with the Workforce Development Board for short-term trainings, and FAST Forward grant work for rural EMT training.

"We are proud to receive recognition from The Rural Community College Alliance for our impactful work at Madison College campuses in Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg, and Watertown," said Shawna Marquardt, Madison College Dean of Regional Campuses. "These highly skilled Madison College graduates, youth and adult learners significantly enhance the workforce and actively contribute to thriving neighborhoods by supporting their community, schools, and businesses."

More than one-third of the overall population in the Madison College District lives outside Dane County. Additionally, 32% of current Madison College students live outside Dane County. Data shows that 92% of Madison College graduates stay and work in the state while 75% stay and work within the district.