Mid-State Technical College will receive a $5 million federal grant to expand free manufacturing training and technical assistance for employers throughout Central Wisconsin. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will formally present the Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow grant during a ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Mid-State’s Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology and Apprenticeship Center in Stevens Point. Mid-State is one of only 11 organizations nationwide selected to receive funding through the SBA initiative. The investment will help the college provide manufacturers with training and technical assistance aimed at strengthening their workforce, addressing skills gaps and improving long-term competitiveness. The program will draw upon Mid-State’s manufacturing expertise and facilities, including the AMETA Center. Scheduled participants include Mid-State President Dr. Shelly Mondeik; Lisa Shimkat, associate administrator of field operations for the SBA; Ryan Kawski, dean of Mid-State’s School of Applied Technology; and regional manufacturing and workforce partners. The event will include remarks from SBA and Mid-State leaders, a ceremonial check presentation and opportunities to tour and photograph the AMETA Center’s manufacturing labs. The AMETA Center is located at 5000 Coye Drive in Stevens Point. Mid-State Technical College is one of 16 colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college serves more than 171,000 residents through campuses in Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids.