SKILLS ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

Service Description:
  • Assists low-wage worker in increasing their job skills
  • Provides financial assistance and case management
  • Must attend short-term, demand driven, job-focused post-secondary education
  • Counties served; Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix
Eligibility:
  • 18 years and older
  • Working around 20 hours per week
  • At or below 150% of the Federal poverty guidelines (before taxes or other deductions)

Household Size

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

One Month

$1,995

$2,705

$3,415

$4,125

$4,835

$5,545

$6,255

$6,965

$7,675

Annual

$23,940

$32,460

$40,980

$49,500

$58,020

$66,540

$75,060

$83,580

$92,100
How to Apply:
  • Contact Stephanie at 715-410-4735

The Skills Enhancement program was created to support those who are working but continue to struggle to make ends meet because they are not earning a ‘living wage’. Funds are available to support workforce readiness and job skills training through case management and career services for low-income residents in our service area.

The goal of the program is to help working adults create a plan and complete a short-term training program of their choice so they can receive a higher paying job with better benefits to improve self-sufficiency and quality of life.

On average, this program helps participants make an additional $6.14 per hour, totaling an average of $17,407 more in annual salary earnings.

Through this program, our Program Manager is able to help with:

Picture of a student studying
Carrie Kittleson is pictured studying for her Associates in Nursing Degree at CVTC – River Falls. Carrie came to West CAP through a referral from a local women’s shelter. She enrolled in Skills Enhancement and received help paying for gas and books so she could earn her degree. She is now working full-time as a Registered Nurse.
  • Financial assistance for tuition, class supplies/books, home internet, mileage reimbursement for school-related travel, childcare reimbursement while you attend class.
  • Exploration of career options, including non-traditional occupations
  • A Plan that includes a part-time class schedule that fits into your work schedule.
  • Development of new skills or enhancement of your current skills while working
  • The opportunity to increase your earning potential and access employer-sponsored health insurance.

Due to limited funding, we are the payer of last resort. All other sources of assistance must be explored first.

The Skills Enhancement Program is designed to be an on-going partnership with the client, not a source of one-time assistance. Program participants are expected to:

Questions? 

Contact Stephanie if you are interested in learning more!

Direct: 715-900-2148 | Mobile: 715-410-4735
Fax: 715-265-7031
Email: sstark@wcap.org