Technical college system seeks 5.4% increase to strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce and economy
The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Board approved its 2027-29 budget request on September 2, seeking a $168 million investment in Wisconsin's most popular higher education system and most trusted skilled workforce engine.
Each year, Wisconsin's 16 technical colleges enroll more than 293,000 students and deliver the specialized skills education that keeps communities and economies strong across the state. While the reach is huge, technical colleges are increasingly cutting capacity and struggling to address student waiting lists, amid growing employer demand for more graduates.
Critical industries like manufacturing and healthcare need more graduates in careers that are only available at technical colleges. WTCS is seeking $22.6 million for industry sector grants to address the state’s most urgent workforce shortages, ensuring Wisconsin’s communities can access critical services and employers can find the skilled talent they need, as well as $59.4 million for general operations and outcomes-based funding.
WTCS is seeking $54.2 million for dual enrollment, challenging Wisconsin to reimagine what high school can deliver in the 21st century. A local partnership with school districts, dual enrollment allows high school students to complete workforce credentials or earn college credit before graduation. Demand for these programs is surging because they cut the cost of a degree, prepare students for careers, and help ensure high school is relevant and engaging for every type of learner. With a bold investment, WTCS is proposing to bring these opportunities to every high school in the state, so that every child has a college or career opportunity before they graduate.
"Wisconsin's technical colleges deliver results for students, employers and taxpayers every day," said WTCS President Layla Merrifield. "Every firefighter in the state is certified at a technical college. Every dental hygienist, law enforcement officer, and respiratory therapist is educated at a technical college. All are currently in short supply across Wisconsin, due to the combined effects of retirements and chronic underfunding of the WTCS. The need is urgent, and the time to act is now."
Also requested is $23.2 million for adult basic education programs, a core WTCS mission that provides instruction in areas such as reading, writing, math, English language learning and financial literacy. Wisconsin is home to 330,000 adults who never completed high school, hurting their ability to support themselves and their families. Without a high school diploma, adults are twice as likely to live in poverty. While required to provide these services, technical colleges receive no dedicated state funding to operate them.
WTCS is also seeking $8.5 million to modernize data systems and address serious cybersecurity risks.
"Our colleges continue to do more with less," Merrifield said. "For years, Wisconsin's technical colleges have stretched resources and cut overhead while maintaining a relentless focus on student success and workforce outcomes. This request is an increase of 5.4% in overall funding and will bring our colleges back into fighting shape after being underfunded for so long. This investment ensures we can continue delivering the high-quality education, training and business partnerships that Wisconsin's economy depends on."
The WTCS budget request reflects a commitment to supporting employers facing talent shortages while expanding educational opportunities for students in every region of Wisconsin.
The question is not whether Wisconsin can afford to invest in technical colleges. The question is how much stronger Wisconsin can become when we invest in the people, skills and industries that drive our state's success.
Read more about the details of the budget request at www.WTCSystem.edu/budget
About the Wisconsin Technical College System
The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) offers more than 500 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas, short-term technical diplomas, certificates and related education for apprenticeships. The System is the major provider of customized instruction and technical assistance for Wisconsin employers. With more than 293,000 people enrolling in a technical college each year, it is the largest higher education system in the state.
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