Among the funded initiatives is a first-year Nuclear Technology program at Western Wyoming Community College, identified by Governor Gordon as critical for the future. To date, WIP has supported 52 programs across all eight community colleges, the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Education, the Wyoming Community College Commission, the Wyoming Business Council, and the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. 

The funding for Phase III was made possible by the Wyoming Legislature's approval of the Governor’s request for continued support. The $15 million in sustainability funds will ensure that existing WIP-supported workforce programs are firmly established and can operate independently when funding sunsets. Over the past three years, the Legislature has invested $70 million in the Governor’s workforce initiative, aiming to enhance workforce resilience through WIP. 

AGRICULTURE
FUNDING AMOUNT: $1,076,000

The Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) is driving agricultural innovation with a focus on Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA), the Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership (RMAL) program and the Precision Agriculture program. Backed by WIP, these program will boost crop yields, enhance food production,  support the state's agriculture network and inspire interest in agricultural careers by providing essential skills and fostering industry adaptability.

PROGRAMS FUNDED: 

• Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) 

• Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership (RMAL)

• Precision Agriculture 

DIGITAL INFASTRUCTURE
FUNDING AMOUNT: $1,896,337 

The commitment to cultivating digital expertise is evident in both Phase I and Phase II's accomplishments, where WIP introduced multiple new programs. Including two certificate programs, two associate's degree programs, a bachelor's degree program, and a graduate degree program, showcasing a comprehensive and multi-tiered approach to equipping individuals with the necessary skills to navigate and thrive in the digital frontier.  

PROGRAMS FUNDED:

• DataHub

• Digital Wallet

• Microcredentialing

• Software Development

ENERGY
FUNDING AMOUNT: $2,515,090 

Through the WIP, Wyoming is enhancing its educational pathways to address the growing and evolving energy industry, particularly in electrical and instrumentation training. With an aging workforce nearing retirement and the rise of new energy initiatives like nuclear energy and carbon capture, the state has expanded training programs to equip future employees with essential skills. These initiatives highlight Wyoming's commitment to growing a skilled workforce capable of advancing both traditional and innovative energy sectors.  

PROGRAMS FUNDED:

• Fiber Optics

• Substation Technology 

• Powerline Technology 

• Electrical & Instrumentation Expansion 

• Blue Hydrogen

• Nuclear

HEALTHCARE
FUNDING AMOUNT: $477,094 

Expanding healthcare education through key initiatives at community colleges across the state is a major component of the WIP. These efforts aim to strengthen the healthcare workforce within the state while also enhancing the quality of care and caliber of home-grown Wyoming professionals. 

PROGRAMS FUNDED:

• WyEMS Grant Program 

• RN Expansion  

• LPN Program 

• Echocardiogram Program 

• CNA and MA Expansion 

• Addiction Studies 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP
FUNDING AMOUNT: $616,850 

Entrepreneurship is a vital component of Wyoming’s economy. The WIP serves as a vital force in guiding entrepreneurship and innovation across Wyoming by providing support for both the existing workforce and fostering new business sectors. Several new and continuing programs are benefitting from the WIP’s commitment to diverse educational pathways for future entrepreneurs statewide.   

PROGRAMS FUNDED:

• Makerspace Expansion 

• Innovation Hub

• College of Business

• Sheridan Incubator

• Entrepreneurship Program 

MANUFACTURING
FUNDING AMOUNT: $1,330,392 

Manufacturers across Wyoming face a critical need for a modern, well-trained workforce. Alongside new or strengthened advanced manufacturing programs, partnerships with local manufacturers have also been established to identify workforce needs and develop targeted curricula. Utilizing the support of the WIP, these programs focus on enhancing skill-based training for manufacturing companies, providing agile resources to upskill the current workforce, and preparing students for future demands. This support enables Wyoming businesses to adapt and meet evolving workforce requirements efficiently.  

PROGRAMS FUNDED:

• Advanced Manufacturing Expansion  

• Manufacturing Works 

• Advanced Manufacturing 

• Sheridan Incubator

• Entrepreneurship Program 

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
FUNDING AMOUNT: $516,734 

Wyoming’s hospitality and tourism industry plays a large role in the state’s economy. By expanding short-term certificates, improving tourism and hospitality training coordination, and promoting statewide information sharing, the WIP aims to strengthen Wyoming's offerings, especially in high-tourism areas and regions with workforce challenges.  

PROGRAMS FUNDED:

• Hospitality & Tourism 

• Outdoor Education  

• EWC Tourism Program

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
FUNDING AMOUNT: $1,009,687 

The Workforce Development programs under the WIP support students from recruitment to job placement, encompassing various training certificates, degree programs, apprenticeships, and internships. These programs are designed to identify community needs and adapt efficiently to address workforce gaps, ensuring that Wyoming's industries have a steady supply of skilled workers.  

PROGRAMS FUNDED:

• Young Adult Internships 

• Construction Trades 

• Workforce and Community Development