Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Higher Education & Workforce Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
WSAC preserves Regional Challenge Grant partnerships, authorizes up to $6.3M amid state cuts
Summary
Facing elimination of state funding for the Regional Challenge Grant, WSAC recommended preserving existing partnerships through reapplication and private support. The council authorized the executive director to approve awards totaling up to $6.3 million for up to two years.
WSAC staff told the council that the Regional Challenge Grant (RCG) was eliminated in the 2025–2027 biennium budget. To sustain community-driven partnerships that support historically excluded learners, staff recommended preserving existing partnerships under reporting and reapplication requirements while pursuing private funds and lean program overhead.
Presenters highlighted a strategy that leverages private investment — specifically the Ballmer Group — alongside careful administrative controls to extend support while the council develops a longer-term approach. The council approved a motion to recommend seven regional partnerships for funding and authorized the Executive Director to approve award amounts to those partnerships for up to $6.3 million for up to two years.
Staff and council members emphasized that the approach aims to maintain capacity for regional partners despite the state funding cut and to create a pathway for reapplication and program evaluation that could inform future public funding decisions.
