More Wyomingites get degrees, but anti-DEI law could slow progress
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The number of working-age Wyoming adults with college degrees or valuable credentials increased by over 18 percent between 2009 and 2023, according to Lumina Foundation. One expert called that jump "incredible," but wonders if a new state law could affect that trajectory.
Governor Mark Gordon signed a law earlier this month that prohibits state institutions from using differential treatment "based on race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin." That broad language includes religious groups, programming for international students, single-sex dorms and even groups including "Dads Making a Difference."
Courtney Brown, vice president of strategic impact and planning with Lumina Foundation, encouraged the state to ensure everyone in Wyoming has the opportunity to pursue more education.
"There are probably many people that don't have the opportunity and those people may be left behind," she said.
According to the Lumina report, Wyoming's overall education attainment level is 43 percent, but it is lower for some racial and ethnic groups. The level for Hispanics is 29 percent, and for American Indians and Alaska Natives is 18 percent.
Brown noted that Wyoming's data show a low attainment rate for young people. In 2022, Wyoming had the highest rate in the U.S. of people in their 30s born in the state who had moved out - over 60 percent.
"Public institutions need to really think about: what do their economies need? What does the economy need in Wyoming? And let's make sure we are providing credentials of value to those individuals," she continued.
According to the 2024 Wyoming Workforce Annual Report, roughly half of new jobs in 2023 were in four industries: construction, professional and business services, mining, and leisure and hospitality.
