Northwest College wants to know what area communities want out of the college and its academic offerings.

So, staff are seeking input from service area residents of Park, Big Horn and Washakie counties as part of a community needs survey relating to the college and its academic offerings. Residents should watch for a postcard in their mailbox from Northwest College with a QR code and survey link.

According to a release, the survey is being conducted to gain understanding of regional perspectives, demographics, service levels, and county-level labor market needs. Community members, business owners, educators, current and future NWC students are being asked to participate. The results will assist the college in prioritizing and developing programming, and inform strategic investment.

It’s part of a plan by college leadership to align with new master plan goals.

At a meeting last fall, Northwest College President Lisa Watson said the survey and others like it will be used as tools to look at future programs.

“We need to be more engaged and at the table for things that come up,” she said. “We need to make sure we can create something we believe in.”

In addition to the community needs survey, the college will be conducting a regional needs data assessment, and an academic portfolio optimization study, focusing on how its existing programs compare to state and regional workforce trends, and what academic programs are well placed or show the most potential.

To complete the survey work and review process, NWC has partnered with Hanover Research, which will provide staffing and research assistance. Hanover has conducted more than 100,000 research studies over the last 20 years, supporting organizations in higher education, K-12 education and corporate markets.

— Reporting by Zac Taylor