About WIRED

What is WIRED?
WIRED stands for the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development initiative, a federally-funded program designed to transform talent development programs and activities into a sustainable force for regional growth.  The Milwaukee 7 region of southeastern Wisconsin - which includes Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha Counties - is one of 39 areas across the United States participating in the WIRED initiative.  The Great Lakes region has long been identified as an area with great opportunity for economic success.  The WIRED initiative is an invaluable resource that can help us capitalize on this opportunity and transform it into reality.

How will We Spur Innovation Through WIRED?
The Southeastern Wisconsin WIRED Initiative will invest in transformation through two funding mechanisms: (1) A WIRED Innovation Fund will invest in a portfolio of training and capacity building activities to provide new and improved talent development solutions; AND (2) a WIRED Transformation Investment Pool will be available to economic, workforce, and education stakeholders working together through the Regional Workforce Alliance (RWA) to carryout research, capacity building, and other activities to promote systems change.

WIRED-funded projects and activities will reflect the following RSTI guiding principles:
R – Regional and Replicable
S – Strategic and Sustainable
T – Transformational and Targeted
I  – Industry-driven and Innovative

WIRED Innovation Fund
One component of the WIRED initiative for southeastern Wisconsin is the WIRED Innovation Fund, a $2.5 million resource that will invest in innovative programs, projects and activities to transform key elements of the talent development system in our region.  This funding will be used to develop long-term programs and solutions for workforce development in our region.  Programs selected for funding will forge new partnerships between the public and private sector and explore original ways to provide training and education needed to prepare today's workers for tomorrow's opportunities

WIRED Transformation Investment Pool  
Over 2008-09, a WIRED System Transformation Investment Pool will be available to economic, education, and workforce development partners working in conjunction with one another through the Regional Workforce Alliance in order to promote integration and alignment.  RWA Supply & Demand Side Committees, and the RWA Leadership Team will invest in research, planning, and capacity building activities that build a regional talent development pipeline.