Wisconsin’s sectors of higher education, including the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU), received a $250,000 Strategic Impact and Innovation Grant from the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), to lead the creation of the Wisconsin College and Career Attainment Network.

This statewide initiative will bring together leaders from Wisconsin’s private nonprofit, public two- and four-year, and tribal colleges and universities, along with legislators, state agencies, and workforce partners to better align education and workforce development efforts across the state. The effort will also incorporate expertise from regional economic development organizations, state and local chambers of commerce, community-based organizations, local college access networks, and philanthropic partners.

The Wisconsin College and Career Attainment Network responds to pressing challenges facing the state, including declining enrollment driven by low birth rates and an aging population. The initiative advances a unified, statewide approach to increasing college-going and credential attainment in support of Wisconsin’s workforce needs and builds on existing statewide goals such as 60Forward, Wisconsin’s credential attainment initiative.

The project will be developed over a two-year period with support from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN). During this time, the focus will be on building the network’s foundation, establishing sustainable funding, and fostering alignment among education, workforce, and community stakeholders.

The proposal received support from all Wisconsin MHEC Commissioners, including WAICU President and CEO Dr. Eric Fulcomer, who also serves as a Wisconsin MHEC Commissioner and member of the MHEC Executive Committee.

“On behalf of all Wisconsin’s MHEC Commissioners and Commissioner Alternates, we are grateful to MHEC for their support of this initiative. Through the creation of a Wisconsin College and Career Attainment Network, Wisconsin can better align education and employers, building a talent pipeline for high-demand fields and regional growth” said Dr. Fulcomer.

For more information, email WAICU Executive Vice President for External Relations Rebecca Larson at rebecca.larson@waicu.org.