Investing in Wisconsin’s Future
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/06/2026
CLEVELAND, WI —
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.
ABOUT LAKESHORE COLLEGE
Lakeshore College, formerly known as Lakeshore Technical College, is a comprehensive community and technical college educating more than 9,000 students annually. Students enroll at Lakeshore to master real-world, employable career skills and start their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Lakeshore faculty and staff are focused on providing each student an individualized learning experience.
Lakeshore College is a nationally recognized two-year college. The college was ranked #2 in the nation by Washington Monthly, #17 in the nation by Forbes, #2 in the state by WalletHub.com, a top-150 two-year college by the Aspen Institute, a 2024 Bellwether Award winner, and named the 2021 Large Business/Industry of the Year by the Chamber of Manitowoc County.
Approximately 800 students graduate from Lakeshore each year, and associate degree graduates report earning a median salary of $61,355 within six months of graduating. In addition to the Cleveland campus, Lakeshore educates students at learning campuses in downtown Manitowoc and downtown Sheboygan. Classes are also offered at additional sites throughout the district. Visit Lakeshore at lakeshore.edu.
Contact: Amy Hanson, Senior Marketing Specialist
Phone: 920.693.1345
Email: amy.hanson@lakeshore.edu
Press Room: lakeshore.edu/lakeshore-news
