As Wisconsin works to meet growing workforce needs, six Northeast Wisconsin colleges and universities are highlighting the role both technical colleges and universities play in preparing the state’s future talent.
The following joint statement from the leaders of Fox Valley Technical College, Lakeshore College, Moraine Park Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, UW-Green Bay and UW-Oshkosh reflects their shared belief that Wisconsin’s workforce, economy and communities are strongest when both systems work together.
Wisconsin’s future depends on our ability to educate, develop, and retain the talent our communities and employers need.
For more than 25 years, Fox Valley Technical College, Lakeshore College, Moraine Park Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, UW-Green Bay, and UW-Oshkosh have worked together to help meet that challenge. While our institutions have different missions, we share a common purpose: expanding educational opportunity and strengthening Wisconsin’s workforce and economy.
The need is significant. According to the Lumina Foundation, 46.8% of Wisconsin adults currently hold a postsecondary degree or credential, while approximately 70% will need one to meet the state’s future workforce needs. That gap represents thousands of Wisconsinites who will need additional education, skills, and credentials in the years ahead.
Closing that gap will require strong technical colleges and strong universities—not a competition between them. Wisconsin cannot meet that need through one pathway or one higher education system alone. Our workforce requires the full spectrum — from apprenticeships and technical diplomas to associate, bachelor’s and advanced degrees.
Northeast Wisconsin demonstrates what is possible when our institutions work together. Through transfer agreements, coordinated educational pathways, employer partnerships, and ongoing collaboration, we help students move between institutions and continue their education without losing momentum.
Wisconsin should build upon that model.
Investment in our technical colleges and universities is an investment in Wisconsin’s workforce, businesses, communities, and economic future. We encourage our citizens and policymakers to support strong, strategic investment in both public higher education systems.
Our institutions will continue working together to close Wisconsin’s educational attainment gap and develop the talent our state needs. We ask Wisconsin to make that same commitment: invest in our students, invest in both systems, and invest in Wisconsin’s future.
