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July 7, 2025
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Mid-State Technical College and the Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association (WATEA) said they plan to continue their partnership to provide student transportation even though the State of Wisconsin Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) that funded the program expired at the end of last month.
Mid-State’s passenger shuttle service, which launched in 2022 using WIG funds, provides free transportation for students between the college’s four campuses – Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids – as well as to the AMETA Center and various community locations.
The shuttle service allows students to ride free of charge, providing opportunities for students to enroll in programs offered at any campus or center.
To date, WATEA Co-Founder Kent Olson said more than 6,000 rides have been provided to more than 300 students, resulting in 94 students.
“This partnership has surpassed our delivery goals and outcomes from its inception, and both organizations should be very proud of our shared work to take on and deliver such a unique venture that has delivered so many positive outcomes for students,” he said.
Mid-State President Shelly Mondeik said though the WIG grant expired at the end of June, the shuttle program will continue uninterrupted into the coming school year thanks to funding assistance provided by the Mid-State Technical College Foundation, Inc., and the Mid-State Student Leadership Board.In the meantime, Mondeik said Mid-State is looking for a new partner to help sustain the program on an ongoing basis.
“We look forward to identifying our next partner to help us deliver this important resource on an ongoing basis, ensuring we are doing all we can to keep students enrolled in their degree programs and deliver career-ready graduates to the workforce,” she said.
