Phase III
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
PHASE III
The WIP is driving digital infrastructure forward by building and strengthening capacity for research, education, and workforce training across the state. Initiatives like the Wyoming Data Hub continue to grow through new staff, advanced equipment, and statewide partnerships that support data-driven decision-making, while also giving students hands-on experience through internships and research. At the same time, new degree pathways in computing and software development, paired with emerging programs in AI and cybersecurity, are creating opportunities for students to gain practical skills in high-demand fields.
AGRICULTURE
PHASE III
Agriculture remains at the heart of Wyoming’s economy. WIP-backed efforts in precision agriculture are equipping producers and students with cutting-edge tools like autonomous machinery and data-driven systems, while partnerships with schools and industry are strengthening outreach and experiential learning across the state. Controlled Environment Agriculture is expanding through new facilities, coursework, and collaborations that open doors to sustainable, high-yield food production, while the Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership program is preparing future leaders through strong transfer pathways, internships, and community engagement. These initiatives are cultivating a workforce ready to carry Wyoming’s agricultural legacy into the future.
ENERGY
PHASE III
Energy has always been central to Wyoming’s economy, and the WIP is preparing its workforce for both traditional and emerging energy sectors. Programs in Powerline Technology and Substation Technology are producing job-ready graduates who are already finding employment with utilities and cooperatives across the state, while Electrical and Instrumentation training continues to expand in response to new energy demands like nuclear power and carbon capture. At the same time, WIP is helping to pioneer the future of energy through the Blue Hydrogen program, which is advancing research and global collaboration to establish Wyoming as a leader in hydrogen production and infrastructure. With the launch of Nuclear Technology programming at Western Wyoming Community College, students now have direct pathways into upcoming sectors within the energy industry.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
PHASE III
Entrepreneurship is a vital driver of Wyoming’s economy, and communities across the state are gaining new opportunities to innovate and grow through WIP efforts. At the University of Wyoming, initiatives like the Venture MBA, Entrepreneur-in-Residence activities, and the Entrepreneurship Mentoring Program are strengthening business education and connecting students and start-ups with world-class expertise. The Creative Economy project is fueling Wyoming’s artistic sector through workshops, competitions, and seed funding, while makerspaces are expanding access to technology, innovation, and hands-on learning from Sheridan to Laramie. At Central Wyoming College, the Bootstrap Collaborative Center for Innovation has already supported more than 270 entrepreneurs and 35 new businesses, while the new Business Studio at LCCC is helping local innovators turn ideas into sustainable companies. With additional efforts like statewide ecosystem mapping, WIP is bringing greater visibility and coordination to Wyoming’s entrepreneurial resources.
HEALTHCARE
PHASE III
Healthcare workforce development is a critical focus of the WIP, with new programs expanding access to training and strengthening care across the state. At Casper College, Addiction Studies programming is preparing more Certified Addiction Practitioners and Licensed Addiction Therapists, while Gillette College has expanded simulation-based learning to better train nursing students. LCCC’s Practical Nursing program is producing homegrown nurses ready for licensure, while Eastern Wyoming College has expanded CNA and MA programming to meet demand in multiple communities. Grant programs and additional efforts are also part of these overall initiatives to build a more robust healthcare pipeline, ensuring Wyoming communities have access to skilled professionals close to home.
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
PHASE III
Wyoming’s tourism and hospitality industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, and the WIP is expanding education and workforce pathways to strengthen this sector. The Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute—evolved from the WIP-driven WORTH Initiative—is driving workforce training, research, and outreach, providing internships and higher education programs while supporting certifications and statewide curriculum development. Community colleges are enhancing opportunities across the state too, with hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and new degree and certificate pathways. All of this is designed with the goal of preparing students for careers in hospitality, outdoor recreation, culinary arts, and tourism so that Wyoming’s workforce is ready to meet industry needs while promoting economic growth and sustainable development.
MANUFACTURING
PHASE III
Manufacturing in Wyoming is growing, and the WIP is making sure the state’s workforce is there to tackle the challenge. Community colleges across the state are enhancing curricula, investing in advanced equipment, and providing hands-on learning opportunities in areas like CNC, robotics, automation, and advanced materials. Outreach programs are engaging K–12 students and the broader community, while programs such as Manufacturing Works are building strong partnerships with local businesses to address workforce gaps, provide industry-recognized credentials, and upskill current employees. The overall purpose of these efforts is preparing students and workers for the demands of modern manufacturing and supporting the growth and competitiveness of Wyoming’s manufacturing sector.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
PHASE III
Developing a skilled, adaptable workforce is central to the WIP’s mission. Through targeted programs, training initiatives, and industry partnerships, Wyoming residents are gaining the skills needed to meet current and emerging workforce demands. From pre-apprenticeship pathways and internship placements to collaboration with K–12 schools, community colleges, and employers, these efforts are expanding access to hands-on learning and professional development. By aligning education with industry needs, Wyoming’s workforce will be prepared for high-demand careers that support local economies and long-term growth across the state.
PARTNERSHIP INFRASTRUCTURE
PHASE III
The WIP’s mission is rooted in providing tools and resources that extend the reach and impact of education statewide. Virtual reality (VR) has become a key component, offering immersive learning experiences across disciplines such as nursing, archaeology, criminal justice, and outdoor education. Complementary initiatives, like the VR library lending program and undergraduate internship support, are ensuring broad access and hands-on experience. By developing advanced systems and fostering collaborations across institutions, the WIP is strengthening Wyoming’s educational network and creating innovative learning opportunities that prepare students for success.
PHASE III REPORT
Phase III of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership has demonstrated the power of collaboration between higher education, workforce development, and industry. The Phase III report highlights measurable results and lasting impact across the state.
PHASE III AWARDS
THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN PHASE III
Governor Mark Gordon has awarded $9.63 million in competitive funding to 27 essential workforce development, innovation, and research programs through the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP). These programs, located within community colleges, the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Education, and the Department of Workforce Services, aim to build a highly skilled workforce in nine key industries, including energy, agriculture, and software development.
Governor Gordon emphasized the importance of program resilience and sustainability as WIP enters its third phase. "WIP programs are driving our core industries forward and play a crucial role in Wyoming’s future. We aim to prepare students for careers in fields like precision agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and powerline technology,” he stated. "The programs funded, along with all ongoing WIP initiatives, are pivotal in developing the workforce necessary to bolster Wyoming’s economy."
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.
The Wyoming Innovation Partnership is a collaborative effort to align education and workforce development, supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and research to drive Wyoming's economy. WIP promotes economic growth and diversification by linking community goals with the state’s economic strategy, ensuring a return on investment for the people of Wyoming through data-driven initiatives.
PHASE III PROGRAMS
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.
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PROGRAMS FUNDED:
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Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA)
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Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership (RMAL)
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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.
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PROGRAMS FUNDED:
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DataHub
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Digital Wallet
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Microcredentialing
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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.
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PROGRAMS FUNDED:
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Fiber Optics
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Substation Technology
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Powerline Technology
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Electrical & Instrumentation Expansion
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Blue Hydrogen
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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.
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PROGRAMS FUNDED:
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WyEMS Grant Program
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RN Expansion
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LPN Program
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Echocardiogram Program
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CNA and MA Expansion
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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.
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PROGRAMS FUNDED:
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Makerspace Expansion
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Innovation Hub
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College of Business
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Sheridan Incubator
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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.
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PROGRAMS FUNDED:
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Advanced Manufacturing Expansion
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Manufacturing Works
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Advanced Manufacturing
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Sheridan Incubator
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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.
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PROGRAMS FUNDED:
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Hospitality & Tourism
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Outdoor Education
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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.
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PROGRAMS FUNDED:
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Young Adult Internships
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Construction Trades
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Workforce and Community Development