The Latino Academy of Workforce Development has received a $300,000 gift from Ascendium in support of its programming, which annually helps more than 2,500 residents in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, and Rock counties obtain education and career training aligned with regional workforce needs.
The Latino Academy of Workforce Development is a nonprofit organization based in Madison dedicated to increasing access to education, training, and career pathways for Latino adults. With Ascendium’s gift, Latino Academy will seek state certification for its construction pre-apprenticeship program, increasing its students’ access to registered apprenticeships, according to a pree release from the non-profit organization and it will also upgrade its workforce training tools and expand its existing programs to accommodate up to 300 more students.
“This investment from Ascendium allows the Latino Academy to continue bridging the gap between talent and opportunity — between communities eager to contribute and the industries that depend on them,” said Nydia Martinez, the Latino Academy’s executive director, in a press release announcing the gift. “Our certified pre-apprenticeship construction program will strengthen Madison’s workforce by equipping Latino and other workers with the skills, credentials, and connections they need to thrive. Latino workers are already essential to the region’s growth in construction, hospitality, and beyond. This program ensures they not only fill jobs but also build careers and futures for themselves, their families, and our community.”
Wisconsin is experiencing a labor shortage partly because worker skills do not match available jobs. The Latino Academy is working to address this gap by providing culturally relevant workforce development programs to adult learners. While rooted in Latino culture, the programs are open to learners of all backgrounds.
The programs include English as a Second Language education, GED preparation, computer literacy, commercial driver’s license training, construction pre-apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship development.
“With the ongoing labor and talent shortages in the Madison area, the need for the education and training the Latino Academy provides has never been greater,” said Brett Lindquist, Ascendium’s vice president of communications and community engagement. “Ascendium’s gift to Latino Academy reflects our commitment to creating clear pathways for community members to secure well-paying jobs that allow them to support their families and build better futures.”
