Skip to main content

WIC TAPC Center

Who We Are

The WIC Technical Assistance and Peer Coaching (TAPC) Center is led by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Research and Outreach (REACH Lab). In partnership with WIC staff across national, state, and local levels, we are developing a sustainable, replicable training and coaching model to strengthen and support both the current and future WIC workforce.

The Center integrates innovative stakeholder-driven training and coaching practices to build capacity across the WIC system.

WIC clinic staff discuss best practices for serving participants at an internal training workshop.
Learn about the Project
Explore how the WIC TAPC Center fits in the larger WIC Workforce Development Initiative.
Meet our Team
Learn about the people supporting the WIC TAPC Center.
Get Involved
See how you can contribute to this nationwide initiative to support the WIC workforce.

Our Vision

To cultivate a well-supported, modern WIC workforce of talented staff who are a part of and understand the communities they serve — leading to improved service delivery and staff retention across WIC programs nationwide.

Key Components of the TAPC Center

Learn More About Us
Community-Centered Workforce Development
We are creating learning resources and tools that support WIC strategies for hiring, training, and retaining the WIC workforce. Rooted in community knowledge, these materials reflect the real-world experiences of WIC professionals and participants.
Innovative Coaching Model
State and local agencies will be supported by trained coaches — WIC professionals who deliver ongoing, personalized support. These coaches will engage in year-long professional development and collaborate directly with local agencies to strengthen skills to engage with families.
Centralized Training Support Hub
The WIC TAPC Center serves as a coordinating body for resource management, coach training, and program evaluation. A centralized digital platform will provide access to tools, training materials, and research-based guidance, enabling WIC agencies to advance and grow.

Goals and Outcomes

  • Build a foundation of evidence-based learning opportunities.
  • Develop a replicable coaching system to provide long-term, proactive training opportunities.
  • Create sustainable, long-term learning opportunities that offer clear pathways for professional development and advancement within WIC.
     
WIC clinic staff discuss best practices for serving participants at an internal training workshop.

Expected Impact

  • Higher retention of WIC staff through improved support systems.
  • Better nutrition and health outcomes for WIC families.
  • Scalable tools and models to support WIC programs nationwide.
WIC clinic staff provides nutrition education to participants at a Chickasaw Nation clinic.

WIC TAPC Center 

Strengthening and supporting the WIC workforce through innovative training and coaching practices. 

Led by the University of Minnesota's Center for Research and Outreach (REACH Lab)

This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, project award no. 2024-39594-43816.

Return focus to the top of the page

Sign up

Sign up for news and updates from our agency.
Sign up