Front row, left to right: Madison Mueller, Elizabeth Thomas, Clara Senger, Taylor Flores, Ashley Granja-Porras, Adriel Jimenez, James Strong. Second row, left to right: Domenek Mesch, Francisco Perez, Cesar Alfaro, Tony Gonzales, Matthew Servin, Jonathan Perez-Carlos, Camryn Ritzert. Third row, left to right: Eric Escalera, Brandon Rocha-Escalera, Owen Fry, Daniel Lancaster, Christian Higgins, Landon Davidson, Delavan Mesch.
On July 2, 21 students completed the Accelerated Industrial Maintenance (AIM) program on Blackhawk Technical College’s Beloit-Janesville campus, marking the fourth graduating class of this initiative.
Funded by a federal grant through the Southwest Workforce Development Board (SWWDB), AIM is part of Wisconsin’s Worker Advancement Initiative, which emphasizes hands-on learning and classroom training to help individuals build skills and advance their careers.
“The Southwest Workforce Development Board is proud to support the AIM program,” said Rhonda Suda, Chief Executive Director of SWWDB. “This initiative, made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, provides students with a valuable head start by earning college credits at Blackhawk Technical College while building foundational skills in manufacturing. We've seen firsthand how AIM is strengthening the local talent pipeline with increased enrollment and growing interest in manufacturing careers.”
Designed for high school students or recent high school graduates, the four-week summer program consists of Blackhawk courses that provide a foundation skill set for those seeking career opportunities in industrial maintenance and technology. Participants are paid to complete the courses and earn three credits that can be applied to a degree at Blackhawk or other colleges. The program also included career exploration opportunities at local manufacturers.
Thank you to all our partners who made this program possible, including the Stateline Manufacturing Alliance (SMA), Scot Forge, The Morse Group, Stoughton Trailers, Kuhn, Frito-Lay and Fairbanks Morse Defense.
2025 Beloit-Janesville AIM Class
- Cesar Alfaro, South Beloit High School
- Landon Davidson, Beloit Memorial High School
- Eric Escalera, Beloit Memorial High School
- Taylor Flores, Beloit Memorial High School
- Owen Fry, Beloit Turner High School
- Tony Gonzales, Beloit Turner High School
- Ashley Granja-Porras, South Beloit High School
- Christian Higgins, South Beloit High School
- Adriel Jimenez, Beloit Memorial High School
- Daniel Lancaster, Beloit Fresh Start
- Delavan Mesch, South Beloit High School
- Domenek Mesch, South Beloit High School
- Madison Mueller, Clinton High School
- Francisco Perez, Parker High School
- Jonathan Perez-Carlos, Rock University High School
- Camryn Ritzert, Beloit Turner High School
- Brandon Rocha Escalera, Beloit Memorial High School
- Clara Senger, Milton High School
- Matthew Servin, Beloit Memorial High School
- James Strong, South Beloit High School
- Elizabeth Thomas, Beloit Turner High School
On July 14, the AIM cohort at the Monroe campus will also graduate. This is the first year for AIM students at that Blackhawk campus. Watch for the upcoming story on them.