About
THE MCKENZIE REGIONAL WORKFORCE CENTER
Conceived by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County and the Madison Area Builders Association—and powered by partnerships with area organizations such as WRTP BIG STEP—the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center aims to train and connect a new generation of young people to the skilled trades.
A first-of-its kind project for the Boys and Girls Club organization, the center will serve as a national template ― preparing young people in Dane County for quality, family-sustaining jobs at a time when the skilled trades are facing a labor shortage.
Project Timeline
Steps to Success
The Perfect Match
Madison Area Builder’s Association and Boys & Girls Club of Dane County finalize partnership to begin work on new regional workforce center
Fundraising Frenzy
MRWC raises $2.8 million contributing to endowment of building
Home sweet home
Official closing on building purchase in Fitchburg, WI, to house skilled trades training center
Digging up dirt
Construction on MRWC begins
The future is now
Grand Opening of MRWC
Countdown to launch
Fall of 2023
The Next Generation
Who We’re Serving
As an extension of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center aims to inspire and empower all young people; especially those who need us most.
90%
Of our members are from low-income households
80%
Of the population we serve are People of Color
74%
Of our members are living at or below the federal poverty level
50%
Of BGCDC youth come from single-parent households
Help us reach our
Fundraising Goal
With support from friends and donors like you, we are making real progress toward reaching our fundraising goal.
Raise $35 Million
Currently at $27.6 Million
MORE THAN TRADE SKILLS
EQUIPPING YOUTH FOR SUCCESS
Students at the Skilled Trades Training Center will gain an array of skills to succeed in the workplace ― as tradespeople, as employees, and as business owners themselves.
Trade Skills Training will teach students the hard skills they’ll need to pursue careers as plumbers, carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, and more.
Soft-skills training will provide students with social, emotional, and learning support to assist them with transitioning to the workforce.
Youth entrepreneurial classes will prepare students to launch their own independent businesses as well as build income and wealth.
Thanks To
Our partners
Meet the people, businesses, and educational institutions that are contributing their knowledge and resources to ensure the success of this project and the young people it will serve.
In the News
We’re Making Headlines
Boys and Girls Club, NAHB Team Up to Promote Skilled Trades
Boys and Girls Club receives Seven-Figure Gift
Q&A With Vice President of Workforce Development
Alan Branch
B&GC Shares Plans for Job Training Center
Invest in their future
Donate
Your investment will change the lives of countless young people, their families, and our community. We thank you so much for your generous donation.