Gener8tor and ASCEND Engine Celebrate Graduation of First Wyoming Workforce Cohort
Statewide program reached 62 percent of enrollment goal; early graduates landed jobs with Microsoft, Avid Corp, and 225 BBQ
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Gener8tor and the ASCEND Engine, powered by Innosphere, hosted an in-person graduation ceremony celebrating 23 graduates from the first cohort of the Wyoming Workforce Development Initiative. This training initiative is part of the ASCEND Engine’s broader effort to build a skilled talent pipeline to support emerging technologies focused on wildfire mitigation, water availability and quality, air quality monitoring, and soil health. Launched in early 2025, the statewide program aimed to expand career opportunities across rural and tribal communities—and quickly demonstrated proof of concept.
By the end of June, 31 participants had enrolled in the program—62 percent of the inaugural 50-learner goal—with graduates earning job-ready credentials in IT Fundamentals and Help Desk support.
“These graduates proved that when training is accessible and community-driven, talent flourishes,” said Danielle Remmick, Gener8tor Strategic Account Manager. “Employers from Cody to Cheyenne are already benefiting—and we’ve only just begun.”
Impact Summary (Q2 2025)
- Participants enrolled: 31
- Program graduates: 23
- Job placements: 3 (CNC Machinist, Data Center Technician, Dishwasher)
- Hiring companies: Microsoft, Avid Corp, 225 BBQ
Gener8tor and the ASCEND Engine reached more than 30 Wyoming communities through two recruitment tours, grassroots outreach, and targeted social media efforts. The team engaged tribal leaders, visited workforce centers and distributed materials through community hubs such as post offices, libraries, and coffee shops.
“Listing this course on my résumé showed Microsoft I was serious about growth,” said Jamie Red Elk of Fort Washakie, now a Data Center Technician in Cheyenne. “My coach helped me evaluate multiple job offers and look beyond hourly pay to long-term fit.”
With new cohorts already in motion and interest expanding into tracks like Data Analytics, the program built strong momentum heading into the second half of 2025. The graduation event served as a key milestone to raise visibility, recognize learner achievements, and connect employers to Wyoming’s growing talent pipeline.
More about Innosphere
Innosphere accelerates the success of start-up founders building and commercializing technology and science-based companies, using comprehensive incubation programs, modern office and lab spaces, workforce initiatives, grants, and venture capital, Innosphere is an award-winning 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a 27-year history of success in its mission to grow the region’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.
Visit www.innosphere.org to learn more.
About the NSF ASCEND Engine:
Led by Innosphere and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), with support from the State of Colorado and the State of Wyoming, the NSF ASCEND Engine is a collaborative initiative focused on driving innovation in climate resiliency across the Colorado-Wyoming region. The NSF ASCEND Engine brings together a diverse network of partners to develop and commercialize technologies that address critical community resiliency challenges, foster economic growth and enhance community well-being.
Visit www.co-wyengine.org for more information.