Governor Highlights Early Successes of Wyoming Innovation Partnership

Governor of Wyoming sent this bulletin at 10/26/2023 02:00 PM MDT
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, 2023

CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director

Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov

 

Governor Highlights Early Successes of Wyoming Innovation Partnership

 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – In 2021 Governor Mark Gordon launched the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) utilizing federal funds to support economic growth and diversification, and build a highly skilled Wyoming workforce. Phase I of WIP was launched in 2022, and a recently released report highlights the partnerships that have led to early success.

“The Phase I report showcases the impact WIP has already made across the state, and we are just getting started,” Governor Gordon said. “WIP marks an important watershed in how we think about post-secondary education. Instead of only talking about a program, we will now be able to evaluate its progress, its performance and its value. WIP program graduates will secure quality jobs with Wyoming companies, ensuring they can advance their careers while remaining in the state.”

The first phase of WIP sought to address workforce gaps across the state that included energy, tourism and hospitality, healthcare and entrepreneurship. Nearly 500 students enrolled in WIP programs, there were 469 workforce training participants and 29 programs were developed or are in progress.

The WIP collaboration includes 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. Programs launched during Phase I include:

  • The development of Wyoming’s first applied software development degrees through a partnership with Sheridan College and the University of Wyoming.
  •  A Powerline Technology program at Western Wyoming Community College
  • An Echocardiology program at Laramie County Community College.
  • Support for expanded efforts at the University of Wyoming’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

The complete Phase I report is available at the Wyoming Innovation Partnership website. 

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