WRTP Bigstep Celebrates 50 Years and Expands Statewide Programming

The Dane County Community Justice Council's Racial Disparities Subcommittee meeting on August 12, 2025, spotlighted the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) Big Step as a key player in addressing workforce disparities. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, WRTP Big Step has expanded its programming statewide, focusing on bridging gaps in employment opportunities for marginalized communities.

During the meeting, representatives highlighted the organization's commitment to fostering equitable workforce development in Dane County, where it has operated for nearly a decade. The subcommittee discussed the importance of collaboration between local organizations and government entities to tackle systemic racial disparities in employment.

Key discussions emphasized the need for targeted training programs that cater to the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the job market. The subcommittee aims to leverage WRTP Big Step's expertise to create pathways for success and ensure that all community members have access to meaningful employment.

As the meeting concluded, members expressed optimism about the potential impact of these initiatives, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and partnership in the fight against racial inequities in the workforce. The subcommittee plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, aiming for actionable outcomes that can lead to real change in the community.