Wide Prairie Academy

Wide Prairie Academy blends over three decades of human resources leadership with forward-thinking innovation in AI and analytics. Founded by Russ Curry, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, the Academy is built on a career spanning HR, manufacturing, agriculture, health care, and workforce development. Recognized by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds as a small business success story and a past president of the Iowa Senior Human Resources Association, Russ anchors WPA’s people-first mission with deep expertise and proven leadership.

His journey into AI began with resistance but quickly turned into transformation. What once consumed hours each week — policies, handbooks, job descriptions — was streamlined in minutes with dramatically improved quality. Today, WPA integrates platforms like ChatGPT, NotebookLM, and Perplexity, along with AI assistants and agents, into training that is practical, accessible, and future-focused.

The Academy also delivers tailored Spanish language and cultural programs, supported by native speakers and professional translation expertise, ensuring innovation is inclusive and people-centered.

Wide Prairie Academy is not a typical training provider. We combine over 30 years of people-first HR leadership with forward-looking expertise in AI, analytics, and workforce development. This rare blend means we don’t just teach technology or compliance in isolation — we help organizations weave them together in a way that is practical, inclusive, and future-ready.

Our founder’s Latino background and decades of experience in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, shipping, and retail bring a deep understanding of diverse workplaces. Our team extends this strength with native Spanish speakers, professional translation capabilities, and advanced AI tools that enhance training design, accessibility, and retention.

Most importantly, we make complex ideas clear and usable — in human terms. The result is training that not only checks compliance boxes but also strengthens culture, improves communication, and equips organizations to thrive in the changing world of work.

Every organization learns differently — and that’s where Wide Prairie Academy stands apart. We offer flexible delivery formats that meet clients where they are, from on-demand online learning and informal virtual workshops to onsite sessions, culture alignment projects, and long-term partnerships. 

Whether your team thrives in digital learning environments or benefits from face-to-face collaboration, we design each experience with purpose and adaptability. Our programs scale easily across teams, locations, and industries — keeping learning relevant, accessible, and engaging.

This flexibility isn’t just logistical; it’s strategic. It allows us to align with your people, your pace, and your goals, building lasting partnerships that evolve as your organization does.

At Wide Prairie Academy, success is more than metrics — it’s how people grow, connect, and lead. Every engagement is designed to deliver measurable improvement in efficiency, communication, and confidence, backed by clear data and meaningful outcomes.

Our clients see tangible results: reduced administrative load, stronger collaboration across cultures, improved retention, and teams that feel empowered by technology rather than replaced by it.

We measure what matters — not just numbers, but people thriving within systems built to support them. Because real progress happens when innovation serves humanity, and every solution stays grounded in human terms.