Foundation of the Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers Assoc

10/08/2026

10/01/2026

From Holmen High School to Shanghai: Wisconsin on the World Stage!

We are thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone for Ben Strupp and Wisconsin, and the WATDA Foundation is proud to have played a small role. Ben, of Holmen High School and Madison Area Technical College, recently represented the United States at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China!

Known as the “Olympics of skilled trades,” WorldSkills brings together the top young professionals from more than 60 countries. Ben competed as the sole U.S. representative in the Heavy Vehicle Technology (Diesel) competition, demonstrating his elite diagnostic and maintenance skills on a global stage.

Ben’s journey started right here at home, where he earned a gold medal at the SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Championships in Madison. Each year, the WATDA Foundation plays an instrumental role in the transportation competitions, automotive, collision, and diesel, at the state championships.

The WATDA Foundation partners closely with local high schools, technical colleges, and dedicated instructors to help develop highly skilled technicians like Ben. Our programs, including career fairs, SkillsUSA, Nitro-X summer camps, ASE certifications, curriculum resources, and scholarships, are designed to strengthen the pipeline of top-tier automotive, collision, and diesel technicians.

10/01/2026

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to celebrate Mukwonago High School as our newest school to earn ASE accreditation!

The WATDA Foundation is proud to support and celebrate this incredible milestone.

With this achievement, Mukwonago High School joins an elite group of accredited programs, not just here in Wisconsin, but across the nation.

Earning ASE accreditation is a rigorous process and demonstrates that the program meets strict national standards for training the next generation of skilled automotive technicians. It’s an achievement that benefits the school, students, community, and automotive industry alike!

Congratulations to the instructor, administrators, and entire team who worked hard to make this milestone possible!

https://lnkd.in/p/g4vbETNh

09/25/2026

09/18/2026

09/18/2026

Way to go, Arrowhead Union High School, on achieving national accreditation through the ASE Education Foundation!

It is truly impressive that within just two years of being hired, teacher Joe Premo helped achieve this important milestone. This accomplishment is a testament not only to Joe’s hard work, dedication, and tenacity, but also to the support of the administration and their willingness to recognize and support his vision.

Joe has worked tirelessly to become certified and, more importantly, to provide the best possible opportunities for his students. He continues to push the envelope, put in the hours, and look for ways to improve the educational experience and do what is best for students.

Another exciting part of this accomplishment is seeing the industry recognize the value of this accreditation and the work being done at Arrowhead. The school receiving an engine is a great example of the support that industry can provide to schools and their programs. It is wonderful to see businesses and industry partners recognize the hard work being done by educators and schools to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities and prepare them for successful careers.

Joe, keep up the great work! Your commitment to your students and your drive to continually improve are truly admirable.

I also want to recognize the Arrowhead administration for supporting Joe and his efforts. The approval to expand course offerings last year, along with supporting this accreditation achievement, demonstrates the value of investing in opportunities that benefit students.

The students at Arrowhead Union High School are fortunate to have a teacher who is a true go-getter, someone who sees an opportunity, puts in the work, and gets things done.

Congratulations to Joe Premo, the Arrowhead administration, and everyone involved in reaching this accomplishment. You should all be proud of the work you are doing for students and the continued partnership between education and industry!

ASE Education Foundation ASE Connects Arrowhead High School Brent Kindred Carl Hader Brenda King Conrad D. Farner

09/11/2026

08/27/2026

Recently visited SPASH High School, and it was impressive to see the addition made to its automotive program about six years ago. The facility looks amazing! The large U-shaped lab is designed for teaching small engines, while the transportation lab is bright and spacious, with separate rooms for tools and equipment.

On top of that, enrollment in SPASH’s automotive classes continues to grow, even as many high schools are facing declining enrollment in similar programs.

Way to go, SPASH! Keep raising the bar and creating opportunities for students to take their automotive education to the next level.

07/31/2026

07/02/2026

From all of us at WATDA, have a fantastic Fourth of July weekend! 🎆 Enjoy the holiday, stay safe, and we'll be back in the office on Monday, July 6.