Board approves WTED progress report and FY26 plans; nursing and advanced manufacturing account for largest shares
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Summary
The board approved the Workforce Training and Economic Development (WTED) progress report for FY25 and FY26 plans, noting $15 million historical allocation, 89.2% of FY25 projects in targeted clusters, increased spending for nursing/health care, and anticipated FY26 participant totals.
The State Board of Education approved the Workforce Training and Economic Development (WTED) fund progress report for fiscal year 2025 and the colleges' FY26 plans after a presentation by Robin Schafer, administrative consultant for community colleges.
Schafer told the board the WTED program — funded historically at $15 million statewide — concentrates most activity in three project areas and in the code‑specified targeted clusters (advanced manufacturing, IT/insurance, alternative/renewable energy, and life sciences). "Historically, the community colleges exceed that mandate and FY25 is no exception with 89.2 of the programs falling into targeted clusters," Schafer said, and added that spending for nursing and health care increased about 80% to more than $4.3 million to support those programs.
Schafer also reported FY25 participation and completion figures: more than 87,000 participants and over 78,000 program completers, with 71% of participants in noncredit short‑term training. Colleges anticipate about 73,851 participants for FY26 and plan to engage with over 3,100 businesses.
Board members sought clarification on whether colleges braid additional funding sources into projects, how colleges capture business partnerships, and whether colleges may revise plans midyear. Schafer said colleges commonly braid tuition, state allocations and other grants with WTED dollars and that substantial plan changes are rare but possible with department notification.
"What the colleges describe is braiding together different funding sources," Schafer said in response to questions about supplementary college funding.
The board moved, seconded, and carried approval of the WTED progress report and FY26 plans.
Why it matters WTED funding supports community college programs that prepare workers for in‑demand occupations; the FY25 figures show strong participation and a noticeable shift toward nursing and health care, reflecting statewide workforce needs.
What’s next Colleges will implement FY26 plans and the Bureau of Community Colleges will continue oversight and report back to the board as required by administrative code.
