Central Wisconsin News

Mid-State Technical College and the Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association (WATEA) recently marked a successful three-year partnership that has provided free student transportation via the Mid-State shuttle. The event celebrating this achievement took place on June 16 at Mid-State’s Wisconsin Rapids Campus.

The shuttle service, launched in August 2022, was developed through collaboration between Mid-State and WATEA, with funding from a State of Wisconsin Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG). It includes four passenger vans offering free rides for students across the college's campuses—Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point, and Wisconsin Rapids—as well as to the AMETA Center and various community locations.

This initiative has enabled students to access programs at any campus or center without charge. Over 6,000 rides have been provided to more than 300 students, helping retain 94 students in their degree programs who might have otherwise withdrawn due to transportation issues.

“At WATEA we are very proud of our part in many initiatives over the years to build a stronger community, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with Mid-State on this grant,” said WATEA Co-Founder Kent Olson. “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.”

“Our incredible collaboration with WATEA to deliver Mid-State’s pilot shuttle program has been such a success, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the positive impact it has already made for students,” said Mid-State President Dr. Shelly Mondeik.

Although the WIG grant will expire at the end of June, funding from the Mid-State Technical College Foundation, Inc., and the Mid-State Student Leadership Board will allow the shuttle program to continue into the next school year. Meanwhile, Mid-State is seeking a new partner for ongoing support.

“We are so grateful to the Foundation and Student Leadership Board for stepping forward to help us continue the shuttle program for now,” Mondeik said. “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.”

Further information about the Mid-State shuttle can be found at mstc.edu/shuttle.