WICHITA, Kan. — July 28, 2026 — The WSU Tech Foundation has received a Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

The investment will support the creation of a live lab and tiny-home build program at WSU Tech’s City Center campus, providing students in the construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC programs with immersive, real-world training that mirrors today’s jobsite environments.

The grant is part of the Lowe’s Foundation’s national Gable Grants initiative, which recently awarded nearly $8 million to 10 community and technical colleges across the country. Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has invested more than $60 million in skilled trades education, expanding its network of workforce development partners to 73 organizations across 30 states.

The lab will allow students to collaborate across multiple trades while constructing tiny homes, helping them develop technical skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and gain the practical experience employers are seeking.

The new training environment reflects WSU Tech’s commitment to preparing students for careers in high-demand industries while strengthening the skilled trades workforce across Kansas.

The Lowe’s Foundation created the Gable Grants program to address the nation’s growing shortage of skilled trades professionals by investing in innovative workforce education programs. Through its expanded $250 million commitment, the Foundation plans to help train and develop 250,000 skilled trades professionals by 2035.

For WSU Tech, the grant represents more than a new training space. It creates opportunities for students to gain real-world experience while preparing for rewarding careers that support the region’s workforce and economic growth.

About WSU Tech 

As Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS—a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs.

In 2018, Wichita State University, Kansas’ urban public research university, affiliated with WSU Tech, enhancing the institution’s student-centered focus and aligning with Wichita State’s dedication to innovation and applied learning. This partnership has created a comprehensive educational environment that supports student achievement and meets the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness.

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu.

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