A recent report questioned Wisconsin’s continued investment in technical colleges. For the students, employers and communities served by Moraine Park Technical College, the answer is simple: technical colleges deliver results.
Every day, Moraine Park prepares the skilled workforce our region depends on, from nurses, EMTs, police officers, firefighters and childcare professionals to manufacturers, electricians, welders, truck drivers and other essential workers who keep our communities strong.
“At Moraine Park, we see firsthand the impact technical education has on people’s lives and on our local economy,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park President, said. “We know that workforce development is more than filling jobs—it’s about creating opportunities, strengthening families and building stronger communities. At Moraine Park, we’re preparing students for meaningful careers while helping local employers find the skilled talent they need to compete, grow and invest in our region.”
Across Wisconsin, technical colleges educate nearly 300,000 students annually and offer more than 500 programs aligned with workforce needs. Unlike many other higher education systems, technical college graduates overwhelmingly stay in Wisconsin, with 93% living and working in the state after graduation.
Public support reflects that impact. Recent polling found that 76% of Wisconsinites believe their local technical college is important to the success of their community.
A central claim in the recent CROWE report is that Wisconsin technical colleges receive more than $14,000 per student from state and local taxpayers. However, independent analysis from the Wisconsin Policy Forum noted that the report’s calculations excluded many of the students actually served by technical colleges, including part-time students, adult learners, apprenticeship students and students enrolled in technical diploma and certificate programs.
In reality, Wisconsin’s technical colleges served approximately 293,000 students in 2024-25 while receiving $867 million in state and local operating support, equating to less than $3,000 per student.
At Moraine Park, that investment translates directly into workforce training opportunities that support local employers and address critical labor shortages throughout the region.
Local Impact
In 2024-25…
Workforce Growth
- More than 1,300 graduates entered the workforce.
- 92% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
- The median graduate salary: $61,449.
Business Growth
- Nearly $3 million in customized training was provided to more than 116 local businesses.
- 5,700+ local employees were served through Moraine Park training.
- $1.2M in training grants secured for district business partners.
Community Impact
- Moraine Park served +15,000 students.
- 97% of employers believe technical colleges are vital to their business success.*
*Statewide WTCS Data
Local Governance Drives Local Results
A key strength of Wisconsin’s technical colleges is their local governance structure. Each technical college is guided by a district board comprising community leaders, employers, educators and elected officials who understand the unique workforce and economic needs of their region.
Unlike centralized systems, Wisconsin’s technical colleges maintain local control over programs, partnerships and investments, allowing colleges to respond quickly to changing employer demands and emerging workforce opportunities.
“Local employers and community leaders have a direct voice in shaping the future of our college,” Baerwald said. “That local oversight helps ensure we remain responsive to workforce needs and accountable to the communities we serve.”
Through appointed district boards, technical colleges can:
- Align programs with regional workforce demands
- Build partnerships with local employers
- Respond quickly to emerging industry needs
- Steward taxpayer resources responsibly
- Ensure decisions reflect local priorities and community input
This local governance model has helped Wisconsin develop the nation’s best community and technical college system, connecting education directly to the needs of employers and the aspirations of students throughout the state.
Quality Education Deserves Quality Resources
Technical education is also among the most resource-intensive forms of higher education because students learn using the same equipment, technology and environments they will encounter in the workplace. Healthcare, advanced manufacturing, public safety programs and other skilled trades require specialized facilities, modern equipment and instructors with industry expertise.
Yet employer demand continues to exceed capacity in many high-demand fields.
“Businesses throughout our district continue to tell us they need more skilled workers,” Baerwald said. “Our challenge is not a lack of demand. It’s ensuring we have the resources necessary to expand opportunities for students and meet the workforce needs of our communities.”
The discussion about technical college funding ultimately comes down to Wisconsin’s future.
“Technical colleges are one of Wisconsin’s strongest investments,” Baerwald said. “When we invest in technical education, we’re investing in local businesses, family-supporting careers, stronger communities, and a workforce that keeps Wisconsin competitive. That’s why our work matters, and that’s why our communities continue to support it.”