Central Wisconsin

About Central Wisconsin

Centered on the city of Stevens Point, home to roughly 26,000 people, Central Wisconsin has a unique blend of arts and creativity mixed with a strong conservation culture, largely anchored by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and its College of Natural Resources.

Historically a region of lumber-based industries, Central Wisconsin boasts many natural amenities for residents to enjoy throughout the year and an abundance of assets that offer plenty of reasons to stay — or relocate — to the region. There is a strong craft beer and local food scene, along with innovative experiences like the World’s Largest Trivia Contest and the fantasy adventure race PaddleQuest.

The university’s three campuses are home to more than 8,000 students, allowing the region to produce a substantial amount of tech talent, with more than 275 computer science graduates in 2017 alone — a pipeline that far outpaces many similarly sized communities around the country.

The mission of the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (NCWWDB) is to cultivate a skilled and competitive workforce which meets the demands of employers in the region. NCWWDB is a key partner for the Central Wisconsin Information Technology Alliance (CWITA), a voluntary organization of employers focused on Information Technology workforce challenges and solutions.

Community partners

• CREATE Portage County accelerates creativity, connection, and collaboration to advance vibrant and welcoming communities. Its model works at the overlaps of creative placemaking, social cohesion, and entrepreneurial ecosystem building to foster people-centered, creativity-focused community and economic development. Through its coworking, maker, meeting, and event space — the IDEA Center — CREATE supports a diverse network of innovators, designers, entrepreneurs, and artists.
• The mission of the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (NCWWDB) is to cultivate a skilled and competitive workforce which meets the demands of employers in the region. NCWWDB is a key partner for the Central Wisconsin Information Technology Alliance, a voluntary organization of employers focused on information technology workforce challenges and solutions.
• The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) offers three distinctive campuses in the heart of Wisconsin where you will find supportive faculty and staff dedicated to helping students grow intellectually, culturally, and professionally, with 120 academic programs and campus life that features a robust NCAA Division III athletics program.
• Mid-State Technical College offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, and industry certifications in a variety of high-demand fields. With campuses in Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point, and Wisconsin Rapids, the college district serves a resident population of approximately 172,421. Mid-State’s supportive environment, state-of-the-art technology, and faculty with professional experience in the fields they teach provide Mid-State graduates with real-world skills, knowledge, experience, and confidence they need for an in-demand career. More than nine in 10 Mid-State graduates are employed within six months of graduation.