Wake Tech's Office of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships works to strengthen relationships with elected local, federal and state officials and executive agencies. The goal is to enhance their understanding of the college's contributions and to improve the college's competitive stance for new projects and appropriations.

The office also keeps Wake Tech's leadership informed of developments in legislation and policy likely to affect college operations and budgets. Staff follow a range of legislative issues, including financial aid, grants and research, campus safety, technology and immigration.

To inform the conversation, the office serves as a resource to lawmakers and policymakers who represent Wake Tech's service area. Staff facilitate campus visits by legislators and staff, participate in state and national forums and make gathering spaces available for hosting events across the college. Cultivating partnerships that support and advance the goals and objectives of the college involves any or all of the following:

• Government agencies
• Businesses and industry
• K-12 schools
• Higher education institutions
• General public

The office is often the starting point for new business collaborations, including philanthropy, Work-Based Learning/apprenticeships, advisory boards and requests for speakers and academic collaborations.

With 20 state and federal elected representatives in Wake County, the Office of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships works hard to cultivate meaningful relationships that advance college priorities.