RALEIGH, NC (November 9, 2022) – Wake County will soon have innovative new training facilities for health care, life sciences, cybersecurity and industrial professions, as well as a new permanent campus of Western Wake, thanks to the approval of the Wake Tech Workforce Forward link. Voters overwhelmingly approved the $353 million bond in Tuesday’s election, allowing the university to grow to meet the demand for skilled workers in high-demand fields. The referendum was approved with 70% support.
University staff and administrators thanked Wake County voters by taking to the streets with “thank you” signs during the morning rush hour today.
“We are so grateful for the support of the people of Wake County,” said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. “It’s clear that the voters understand the critical role that Wake Tech plays in preparing a skilled workforce for businesses in our region. It’s also clear that they appreciate the life-changing opportunities we offer residents of the Wake County to prepare for a meaningful career and continued career. progress.”
The approval of the bond makes possible the following strategic expansion projects:
The expansion of Wake Tech’s Perry Health Sciences Campus will include the construction of a 120,000-square-foot facility. This critical new building will allow for the expansion of the university’s high-demand nursing programs and the addition of potential new programs in mental health, respiratory therapy, disability support and other areas. The new facility will feature a “simulation hospital” that will allow nursing and multi-disciplinary students to learn in a real-life environment. It will also house state-of-the-art laboratories for imaging programs.
Wake Tech’s Western Wake Campus will move from its current leased facility to a permanent campus in southwest Wake County. The 34-acre site is conveniently located at the intersection of NC Highway 55 and the NC Highway 540 Triangle Expressway, near US Highway 1. The initial construction of the facility will provide permanent space for campus operations existing, including university transfer degree programs. A new Entrepreneurship Center will be a small business resource center and home to the National Community College Entrepreneurship Association. A new Workforce Development Center will feature computer and game development labs and provide flexible industrial/biopharma training space to support dynamic job growth in Apex, Cary and Holly Springs.
Wake Tech’s RTP campus has become a major attraction for new and advanced technology companies growing in the Research Triangle region. The bond funds will support the construction of the third building on the RTP Campus, to allow for the expansion of life science and computer science programs, particularly in the area of cybersecurity, where demand is high. It will also enable the continued advancement of education and industry partnerships that move our region forward.
The bond will also support needed infrastructure investments across the university, including technology and security upgrades and accessibility improvements.
“Wake County’s population is not only growing, it’s aging,” Ralls said. “Bond funds will allow our community college to keep up with this growth while preparing high-demand health professionals who are vital to our long-term quality of life, as well as technical qualified people we count on every day. I like to say that. Wake County is powered by Wake Tech, and thanks to voter support, our workforce education engine will continue to run strong.”
Wake County’s population is growing by about 62 residents per day. Wake Tech serves more than 70,000 students each year and this fall saw its largest enrollment in undergraduate programs since the pandemic began.
Independent studies indicate that Wake Tech generates more than $1 billion for the local economy each year, and every dollar invested in Wake Tech generates more than $7 in added income and social savings.
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