PHASE I, II, & III PROGRAMS
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGY
DATA HUB
The Wyoming Data Hub is a central stop for to discover and access research data and associated information products developed by the University of Wyoming (UW) and community college researchers. Sharing and re-use of research data will support education and training, new research and development within academia and industry partners, and technology and information transfer to build computational capacity and data-driven decision making for government organizations, new entrepreneurs, and all Wyoming citizens. This unified effort will help spur economic development, strengthen Wyoming’s workforce, support industry, and promote research collaborations.
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING
The School of Computing creates a foundation for programmatic expansion of data and computing across all nine higher education institutions. The effort will build training and education programs in cybersecurity, big data, artificial intelligence, and their applications.
Through statewide partnerships across higher education, K-12, and workforce development, the School of Computing will build a workforce pipeline that stimulates the economy through the creation of new talent and research in computing and data, including artificial intelligence and cyber security.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
The establishment of a software development program offers students opportunities to work in this highly skilled field and meet employers’ needs to grow and remain competitive in a technology-driven economy. The program accelerates Wyoming’s goals to diversify the state’s economy. This program began in Phase I and will continue into Phase II to include more students from institutions across Wyoming.
DIGITAL CREDENTIAL WALLET & MICRO-CREDENTIALING
A digital credential wallet is a secure tool for managing and storing digital credentials. These credentials may include academic degrees, professional certifications, micro-credentials, and even government-issued identity documents such as passports and driver's licenses. This digital credential wallet will allow students and employers the opportunity to connect in a way never before possible and will provide support for building career pathways outside of a traditional education model.
EXPANDING ACCESS TO CAREERS IN A TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN ECONOMY
WWCC and LCCC are redeveloping their programs to address emerging technological fields. LCCC is focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) in collaboration with industry partners and local school districts, while WWCC has established an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity program launch in fall of 2024, and AI in fall 2025. Both have garnered significant student interest.
PHASE II KEY METRICS
The Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) is focused on key metrics, data, and outcomes. This data-driven approach has been used to guide decisions that support solidifying transformational strategies to help Wyoming and our communities thrive long-term and realize a return on investment.
PHASE III KEY METRICS
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.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) has played a vital role in supporting the Associate of Science in Software Development program at Central Wyoming College, Northwest Wyoming College, Sheridan College, and Western Wyoming Community College and Applied Software Development Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Wyoming. This program integrates cutting-edge programming languages, modern coding tools, and professional best practices into its curriculum to provide a comprehensive education, such as:
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Python
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HTML/CSS/JavaScript
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Mobile development
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Databases
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DevOps
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Cybersecurity
The program emphasizes hands-on projects, partnering students with business and industry professionals on real-world projects to apply their acquired knowledge and skills. By aligning with current industry tools and processes, it ensures graduates possess the skills employers actively seek.
Why choose Central Wyoming College, Northwest Wyoming College, Sheridan College, or Western Wyoming Community College's Software Development Program?
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Learn from experienced instructors who are practicing software developers.
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Choose between entering the workforce after two years or continuing education to earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wyoming or other four-year colleges.
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Study in-demand topics using modern tools and processes.
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Gain valuable coding skills, enhancing earning potential across various careers.
For more information on metrics and budget for this project, visit the Software Development dashboard.
For more details on each college’s program:
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING
The School of Computing at the University of Wyoming (UW) stands at the forefront of innovation and knowledge exchange in computing and digital skills. Supported in part by the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP), this institution is dedicated to equipping UW students, faculty, staff, and Wyoming's businesses and citizens with the computational tools, skills, and approaches necessary for driving transformation and innovation within the state.
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With a commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and engagement, the School of Computing values partnership and collaboration, advocating for context-based experiential learning across various disciplines such as social sciences, arts, humanities, and STEM. The WIP's funding significantly contributes to the realization of these objectives, amplifying the impact of the School of Computing not only within Wyoming but also on a national and global scale.
Within the School of Computing, several programs aim to guide students in exploring and excelling in a computing career:
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Computing Minor: This program offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of computing alongside their primary area of study, providing a valuable addition to their academic pursuits.
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Interdisciplinary Computational Science Minor: Representing a unique collaboration of computer science with other scientific disciplines, this program gives students the chance to investigate the application of computers in problem solving across various fields.
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Interdisciplinary Computational Science Graduate Minor: Tailored for students who have successfully completed their undergraduate studies, this program facilitates a more profound exploration between computing and diverse scientific domains.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
WYOMING DATA HUB
The Wyoming DataHub aims to enhance the discoverability, usability, and interpretability of data. This initiative also is designed to support research endeavors within academic and community circles. Through proactive measures, including the recruitment of a temporary research scientist and library staff, the DataHub has taken steps to bolster its research capabilities. This staff built an external website, marking a pivotal step towards broader outreach and ensuring the benefits of the DataHub’s work extend far beyond institutional boundaries.
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The Wyoming DataHub demonstrates unwavering support for the academic community. Through initiatives like the Demonstration Project mini-grants, with funds of up to $30,000 allocated for data collection and analysis endeavors, the organization empowers researchers to pursue innovative avenues of exploration. Additionally, their investment in instrumentation equipment through the Science Initiative, such as the micron electroscope and phenotyping machine for controlled environment agriculture, underscores a commitment to cutting-edge research and technological advancement within the state.
This multi-faceted approach not only enriches decision-making processes within state agencies but also builds out a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
DIGITAL CREDENTIAL WALLET & MICRO-CREDENTIALING
The Digital Credential Wallet and micro-credentialing, spearheaded by the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP), is set to revolutionize the way individuals showcase their achievements and qualifications. With a focus on increasing credential accessibility, enhancing employability skills, computer science proficiency, and career technical education (CTE) capabilities.
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MICRO-CREDENTIALING
The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) is working with industry partners, school districts, and schools to develop student and teacher micro-credentials. During the pilot phase, 48 students completed the computer science micro-credential stack and 9 students went on to earn the computer science micro-credential. Additionally, 35 teachers completed the computer science micro certification stack. Looking ahead to Phase III, WDE is planning to expand these offerings to more teachers and students and develop CTE micro-credentials.
DIGITAL WALLET
By providing a secure platform for managing and storing digital credentials, including academic degrees, professional certifications, micro-credentials, and even government-issued identity documents like passports and driver's licenses, the digital wallet empowers workers to curate and share their most pertinent credentials with potential employers and peers. This streamlined approach not only increases efficiency in the hiring process but also facilitates the recognition of individual competencies and strengths.
By collaborating closely with the Departments of Education and Workforce Services, the initiative ensures alignment with statewide education and workforce development goals, ultimately contributing to a more skilled and adaptable workforce in Wyoming. Through this innovative solution, the Digital Credential Wallet stands as a testament to the state's commitment to lifelong learning and career advancement opportunities for its residents.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
EXPANDING ACCESS TO CAREERS IN A TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN ECONOMY
Western Wyoming Community College and Laramie County Community College are enhancing their curriculum and programs to meet workforce demand in critical areas of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
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The Associates of Applied Science Cybersecurity program and Cybersecurity Certificate are designed to prepare students for positions in the cybersecurity field. The cybersecurity courses will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand:
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security plans and policies
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the importance of maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability – the “CIA” of security
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the relationship between privacy and security
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operating system security
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network security
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defensive cyber techniques
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offensive cyber techniques to better understand how to defend systems and networks
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Cyber Security Operation Center roles and responsibilities.
For more details on Western Wyoming Community College's Cybersecurity program and its impact, visit https://www.westernwyoming.edu/academics/major-programs/business-technology/cybersecurity/index.php.
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Laramie County Community College is expected to relaunch a Computer Science program in Fall 2025 with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This project represents a programmatic expansion in a discipline not currently in Wyoming and helps meet workforce needs in an evolving digital workforce. AI for the Workforce Program goals include:
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Gain technical confidence in AI – Equip the future workforce with the technical confidence to learn and apply AI skills independently.
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Enhance employability for AI-related jobs – Build necessary technology, career growth and social skills for AI for jobs ahead.
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Produce evidence for employment – Demonstrate solutions through AI projects capturing industrial or social impact.
Learn more about the work being done in this project on the Expanding Access to Career in a Technology Driven Economy dashboard.
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Laramie County Community College (LCCC) and Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) are working on a collaborative project to redevelop the Computer Science program at LCCC and establish an AAS in Cybersecurity at WWCC. These institutions will work to share knowledge across their institutions, adapt to the ever changing landscape of tech and AI, and are intended to build off of the collaborative nature of the software development program to share best practices around computing education. Additionally, WWCC will utilize LCCC's success in the cybersecurity certificate program and utilize remote learning opportunities from LCCC.
