2024 LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REQUEST
For the last two years, the Wyoming Legislature has supported the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) to better enable communities throughout the state to address workforce needs. WIP is a collaboration to align education and workforce development and support innovation, entrepreneurship, and research to help drive Wyoming's economy.
The initiative supports economic growth and diversification and builds a highly skilled, ambitious, and qualified workforce by linking community goals with the state’s economic strategy. This partnership is data-driven to ensure a return on investment for the people of Wyoming.
The novel partnership is creating a better understanding of how effectively educational programs are aligning with the needs of industry, workforce, and the overall educational system.
PHASE III BUDGET REQUEST
Governor Gordon is requesting $30 million to bolster the WIP efforts to reinforce the state's dedication to fostering innovation:
$20,000,000 in FY 25
$10,000,000 in FY 26
Up to $400,000 of this request may support one or more at-will employee contract positions split within the 100 series and the 900 series as necessary to administer, monitor and report on WIP.
The Governor's letter - Wyoming Innovation Partnership (Letter #3) details this budget request for Phase III, focusing on sustainability and shaping the future of economic progress in the state.
This biennium request is essential to ensure WIP’s sustainability and solidification within the higher education structure that is being embedded across our systems. As WIP moves into Phase III, the focus will be on evaluating sustainability to the developed programing and further coordinating efforts for long-term culture change.
Data and metrics will continue to guide decisions and collaboration will support solidifying strategies to help Wyoming and our communities thrive long-term.
PREVIOUS INVESTMENT - PHASE I & II
A total of $55M has gone to WIP over the past two years. This enabled real progress in preparing for tomorrow’s workforce needs across the state.
The first two phases of WIP addressed data-identified workforce gaps that included energy; tourism and hospitality; healthcare; manufacturing; digital infrastructure and technology; and agriculture.
Specifically, Phase I focused on laying the foundation and launching collaborative programs. Phase II - currently underway - is a larger effort focusing on significant workforce development programming, research and innovation.
Read more about WIP's impact in the Phase I Achievements report.
THE EMERGING IMPACTS OF WIP
The successes of WIP should not be undersold. For the first time ever the University of Wyoming and the state’s eight community colleges, as well as the Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming Department of Workforce Services and the Wyoming Department of Education are working to align education, workforce development and industry to support Wyoming’s economic development needs.
Further, there is an increase in the return on investment as students graduate, enter the workforce and earn high wages. WIP is also supporting business start-up and expansion in Wyoming.
A few notable specific successes from the investment in WIP include:
Wyoming’s first applied software development degree through a partnership with Sheridan College and the University of Wyoming. Phase II is expanding this program to Western Wyoming Community College and Northwest College.
Students graduating into the Wyoming workforce from the WIP-enabled Powerline Technology program at Western Wyoming Community College.
A robust slate of healthcare training including an echocardiology program at Laramie County Community College and EMS training at Casper College, Northwestern Wyoming College, and Laramie County Community College and expansion of nursing training at Gillette College, Western Wyoming Community College, and Laramie County Community College.
Four new innovative programs for entrepreneurs to access and navigate support to ensure their businesses can launch and thrive in Wyoming, including a career and technical education (CTE) program, a certificate program, an associate's degree program, and a bachelor's degree program. Phase II adds programming to support the creative economy along with an innovation hub pilot.
Programs aimed to invigorate and support Wyoming’s agricultural industry, such as precision agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, and ranchland management and agricultural leadership programming.
KEY METRICS
WIP is deeply committed to tracking key metrics and data to guide decisions. Data-driven strategies are essential for the long-term prosperity of Wyoming and its communities. One of the primary goals is to increase enrollment and graduate retention, ensuring that individuals who earn postsecondary credentials from WIP institutions remain in Wyoming to contribute to its workforce.
Notable key metrics from Phase I:
Projected industry job growth: 19% (from 70,429 jobs in 2020 to 83,788 jobs by 2030)
New education programs developed or in progress: 29
WIP program enrollment: 294 high school students and 192 Postsecondary students
Workforce training participants: 469
FOLLOW THE WIP BUDGET REQUEST
LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS
Jan. 11, 2:30 p.m. - Joint Appropriations Committee will hear the Governor's Budget letters. Watch online.
BILL INFORMATION
Funding for the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) is being requested through a Governor's Letter.