Western Wyoming Community College (Western) has received a $337,344 Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. government’s independent science agency. The three-year grant will fund the College’s HyFlex initiative. The project aims to transform information technology (IT) support and cybersecurity credential attainment through a HyFlex (hyper-flexible) educational offerings and curriculum aligned with industry standards and certifications. 

“We are incredibly honored and excited to receive this federal grant from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program. This funding will be pivotal in supporting our FlexTech initiative, which is designed to transform IT support and cybersecurity credential attainment through our innovative HyFlex educational offerings and robust industry partnerships. 

“At Western Wyoming Community College, we are committed to providing our students with cutting-edge education and training that aligns with the demands of today’s high-tech workforce. This grant will enable us to enhance our curriculum, expand our reach, and offer greater flexibility to our students, ensuring they are well-prepared for successful careers in the rapidly evolving fields of IT and cybersecurity. 

“We look forward to the opportunities this grant will create, not only for our students but also for the broader community as we collaborate with industry partners to drive economic growth and technological advancement. This investment in our FlexTech initiative underscores the critical role community colleges play in educating the next generation of skilled technicians who are essential to our nation’s economy,” Western’s President Dr. Young said. 

The National Science Foundation’s ATE program focuses on the education of technicians who work in high-tech fields that drive the nation’s economy. Because two-year community and technical colleges are the leading sources of technician education in the United States, faculty from these higher education institutions have had leadership roles in most ATE projects since the program began in 1993.  

“Our FlexTech initiative addresses the shortage of skilled professionals in our region’s IT industry. By aligning course content with industry demands and offering hyper-flexible learning options, including online, in person, or online meetings, we’re not only preparing students for success but also empowering underrepresented groups to thrive in the workforce. This flexible structure aims to stimulate enrollment growth, particularly among underrepresented groups such as women, post-traditional learners, and dual-enrolled high school students by allowing students to engage in courses in a multitude of different ways. Through strategic partnerships and tailored curriculum development, FlexTech is paving the way for a new generation of IT professionals within Western’s expansive 29,000 square mile service area,” said Kayla Hawley, Principal Investigator and Instructor of Business and Information Systems. 

For additional information on the grant, contact Instructor of Business and Information Systems Kayla Hawley at (307) 382-1863 or email khawley@westernwyoming.edu.