Since launching in 2021, the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) has been instrumental in standing up lasting collaborations among key state entities with a role in workforce development, including the University of Wyoming, the state’s entire community college system, the Wyoming Business Council, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, the Wyoming Department of Education, and industry.
Focused on innovative solutions to support Wyoming’s economy and workforce, the WIP is structured in three phases: infrastructure support and new program launches, workforce development programming and research, and sustainability through data and metrics.
Phase II of the WIP just wrapped up with many notable achievements:
25 new education programs developed, bolstering the state’s educational infrastructure
436 industry and community partnerships forged, creating a large collaboration network
187 internships provided, giving students valuable hands-on experience
The qualitative impact of WIP thus far was estimated by the Center for Business and Economic Analysis at the University of Wyoming. They estimated value-added return on investment (ROI) to Wyoming’s gross state product from WIP initiatives at an impressive 690%. Additionally, the tax revenues for the state were estimated to amount to approximately $38.6 million over five years. These numbers evidence that the impact of the WIP far outweighs the initial investment. Other outstanding qualitative benefits exist as well, including improved communication between educational institutions, increased economic diversification, greater local and federal tax revenues, and potential future investments from household savings.
View the full report to learn more about the WIP’s programming, efforts, and results to date.
