News & Events

Did you know that the Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) awards grants and scholarships every year?Maybe you’re looking for a boost to help your amazing organization run at a next-level standard of operations. Or, you might have a project in mind that will bring joy to our community and improve the quality of life for residents. You may qualify for a UEDB Grant.Perhaps you’re a student seeking financial aid for college or vocational training. Or a professional seeking certification. You may qualify for a UEDB Scholarship.And if you think grants and scholarships are impossible to get or that the process...

When the bells rang to signal the start of the 2025 school year, Upton High School students could walk out of their classrooms and into a 24x48 greenhouse next door. Preparing, planting, growing, harvesting. The hands-on learning will embody an ongoing collaboration between Agricultural Sciences and General Science classes. It also represents Weston County School District #7’s (WSCD) commitment to embrace a personalized learning model to reimagine what a traditional classroom education looks like. “The greenhouse is just a little bit of what we do in terms of innovation. We allow students a lot of voice and choice in their learning,” said WCSD...

Trying to manage a work-life balance isn’t exactly easy these days. From long commutes to a frantic go-go-go! pace, it’s easy to understand why stress in the workplace has become a hot topic.Upton, Wyoming, offers a different way of life; one where wide-open spaces, safe, tight-knit communities, and a lower cost of living can pave the way for less stress and more enjoyment in life.And there’s no better time than during September’s Workforce Development Month to tell you more about what our amazing rural community has to offer!A Growing ConcernWhen it comes to stress in the workplace, even the Occupational...

We have so many strong women who contribute an immeasurable amount to Upton. From business owners to community movers and shakers, they are all inspiring the next generation of female leaders!There’s no better time to tip our hats to their community contributions than with a huge shout-out following National Family Owned & Operated Business Day, which took place in June.Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) is proud to support our amazing network of female leaders, whose hard work makes life a little sweeter for all of us. Whether it’s connecting them with the Wyoming Small Business Development Center for funding opportunities or...

Sun’s out. Windows open. With summer in full swing, you know that means: It’s time for a road trip!We’ve mapped out some of our favorite “gotta see it” destinations, all within a short drive of Upton. See one, or see them all. No matter which route you take, it’s a great way to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month throughout July.The Black HillsYour day-trip begins by hopping onto Highway 16E for a scenic drive into South Dakota.First up? The jaw-dropping splendor of Jewel Cave National Monument. Take your pick of four, Ranger-guided tours that run the gamut from an easy...

Upton High School serves the small community of Upton, WY, tucked in the northeast corner of Wyoming through a robust platform of activities designed to give students invaluable leadership opportunities. The region’s youth develop essential skills and prepare for their future in programs like Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and Future Farmers of America (FFA) and more, each offering tremendous knowledge to complement traditional classroom coursework.The school's dedication to fostering leadership is evident in its students' achievements, which underscore the impact of personalized attention from sponsors and instructors in a smaller setting, allowing students...

Built by returning World War II veterans in the early 1940s, the Upton Arena has long been a staple in Weston County, WY, agricultural and recreational life. Through the years, it became a hub for many exciting events, including the annual Upton Ag Day, kids' rodeos and ranch rodeos. Today, despite being the yearly host of Upton’s Fun Days and the Ranch Rodeo Finals, the usage of the arena lessened to the point the community questioned its need. But, three local leaders have formed the Upton Arena Board to breathe new life into the beloved facility. “We want to preserve this space...

Discovering Opportunity, Affordability, and Community SpiritUpton, Wyoming, often dubbed the "Best Town on Earth," is proving that this label is more than just a charming slogan. Many, including a recent returnee, find the town offers a compelling blend of economic opportunity, financial stability, and an unmatched sense of community.Economic Opportunities: A Town Poised for GrowthWhen asked why she returned to Upton in 2023, Kasaundra Bishop, the Economic Development Coordinator for Upton EDC, shared, “I saw so much potential for growth and a strong sense of community here. The town's support for small businesses and its investment in local events, like...

September is a time to celebrate Workforce Development Month, a dedicated period to honor the initiatives that fuel workforce expansion and economic advancement nationwide. The inauguration of Iron Creek Inn in Upton has substantially fortified the local job market by crafting diverse employment opportunities. Shelley Sutherland, the hotel's General Manager, underscores the significance of this expansion.Nurturing Employment Growth and Talent Retention"The establishment of Iron Creek Inn has truly revolutionized Upton's local workforce by generating an extensive spectrum of job openings, particularly in hospitality, housekeeping, and management," Sutherland enthusiastically conveyed.In a town where cultivating the workforce takes precedence, the Inn has...

When Sam Johnson said he didn't want to go to college after graduating from high school, his teachers didn't blink.That's because Upton High School's guiding philosophy is that college isn't for everyone. Instead, the Wyoming school helps students tailor their education to one of three paths: college, military, or workforce. Since implementing the model eight years ago, school leaders are pleased to see that the focus on college is diminishing.In Upton's 2025 graduating class, nine students chose a four-year university, two chose a two-year community college, three chose trade school, four entered the workforce, and one entered the military. That's...