Ascendium is pleased to announce it has awarded scholarships to 806 Wisconsin construction and industrial apprentices through the Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program.
Now in its thirteenth year, the program provides $2,000 scholarships to eligible apprentices. Apprentices are eligible for the scholarship if they are enrolled in a construction or industrial trade apprenticeship program at one of the 16 Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) colleges for the fall and spring semesters, demonstrate a financial need, and complete an application. To date, Ascendium has provided over $8.8 million in scholarships to more than 5,000 apprentices working to advance their careers.
The scholarship awards come at a time of historic growth for apprenticeships in Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s 2023-2025 Biennial Report, enrollment in Wisconsin apprenticeships saw another unprecedented year in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of record participation. These data highlight the increasing popularity of apprenticeships as a pathway to a good job.
Apprentices can use the scholarship for costs related to their training, including the purchase of tools, equipment, clothing, tuition, and more. By offsetting these expenses, apprentices can focus on learning their trade, progressing in their programs, and setting themselves up for success in their career.
“We know apprenticeships are an important option for learners from low-income backgrounds to find direct paths to good jobs in industries that, in turn, need new talent,” said Keith Witham, President and CEO of Ascendium. “This scholarship helps ensure learners in our home state can be successful in those programs.”
“Ascendium’s continued investment in Wisconsin’s apprentices is truly transformational," said Layla Merrifield, WTCS President. “These scholarships remove real financial barriers for students who are building their skills, supporting their families, and contributing to the strength of our state’s workforce. We’re grateful for Ascendium’s support of our students to ensure more apprentices can stay on track, complete their training, and step confidently into high-demand careers that keep Wisconsin moving forward.”
2025-2026 Tools of the Trade Scholarship Recipients
- Blackhawk Technical College
27 recipients - Chippewa Valley Technical College
41 recipients - Fox Valley Technical College
114 recipients - Gateway Technical College
4 recipients - Lakeshore College
52 recipients - Madison College
114 recipients - Mid-State Technical College
109 recipients - Milwaukee Area Technical College
37 recipients - Moraine Park Technical College
48 recipients - Nicolet College
3 recipients - Northcentral Technical College
21 recipients - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
141 recipients - Northwood Technical College
13 recipients - Waukesha County Technical College
55 recipients - Western Technical College
27 recipients
About Ascendium
Ascendium Education Group is committed to making education and training beyond high school a reality for more people. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fund initiatives across the U.S. that help learners from low-income backgrounds achieve upward mobility; provide student and employee success solutions to colleges and businesses; invest in education-focused innovations to improve learner outcomes; and provide information, tools, and counseling to help millions of borrowers successfully repay their federal student loans. While we have many roles, we have one goal — elevating opportunity by creating a world where everyone can rise to their highest potential. To learn more, visit ascendiumeducation.org.
About Wisconsin Technical College System
The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) offers more than 500 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas, short-term technical diplomas and certificates, and classroom-related education for many Wisconsin apprenticeships. WTCS is the major provider of customized instruction and technical assistance for Wisconsin employers. With more than 290,000 people enrolling in a technical college each year, it is the largest higher education system in the state.
