By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant program provides valuable internships for students and businesses. The program was discontinued in the 2023-25 state budget, but supporters are advocating for its continuation.
The program provides internships for first- and second-year students, enabling them to obtain valuable hands-on experience early in their academic careers. The internships are focused on agriculture and related fields.
In addition to providing internships, the program develops additional links with businesses that can lead to future job opportunities for students. The program also provides opportunities for participating businesses to conduct valuable research that can improve their products.
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls received $244,426 in Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant funding in 2022. The funding enabled 15 students to participate in internships at eight businesses during the summer and fall.
Students who participated in the internships spoke about how the program helped them learn effectively and linked them to future job opportunities. Businesses that participated in the program also spoke about the importance of continuing funding for the program.
Supporters of the Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant program believe that it is a valuable program that benefits students and businesses.
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Categories: Wisconsin, Business