WSU Tech Foundation event recognizes community leaders and raises over $60,000 leading to big scholarship opportunity announcement.

Wichita, Kan – Thurs., April 12, the WSU Tech Foundation (formerly WSU Tech Foundation) hosted the Believers and Achievers event which recognized individuals who believed in the creation of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT), WSU Tech’s main campus. Individuals honored at the event were J. Samuel Frey, Peter Gustaf, Charlie Johnson, John Moore, Tim Norton, Jeffrey L. Turner, Dave Unruh, Jim Walters and Tom Winters. Labeled as “Disruptors in the community”, this group of men was responsible for the vision, design, and creation of the state-of-the-art aviation and manufacturing training facility in Wichita.

During the recognition ceremony Charlie Johnson, former President and Chief Operating Officer of Cessna, said, “This is one of the proudest things I’ve ever done in my life.” Tom Winters, former Sedgwick County Commissioner, said, “We were looking for world-class, and we got a world class building with world-class programs.” Jim Walters, Sr Vice President, HR and Communications, Textron Aviation, stated “We view NCAT and WSU Tech as an extension of our workforce development efforts.”

Over $60,000 was raised at the event thanks to the generous support of sponsors and attendees. Sponsors for the event included Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture, Bombardier, Snap-On, Lee Aerospace, Fidelity Bank, Yingling Aviation, Westar Energy, Airbus and Meritrust Credit Union. Proceeds from the event will go to fund student scholarships through the Wichita Promise, an initiative by WSU Tech to increase the skilled workforce in south-central Kansas.

It is because of financial support from industry partners like these that WSU Tech is excited to announce they will be offering the Wichita Promise scholarships once again for the Fall 2018 semester. The Wichita Promise Scholarship pays tuition and fees for eligible programs. It provides training for high-wage, high-demand jobs along with credentials and certifications. It also includes personal career advisoring and a guaranteed job interview upon completion.

Eligible programs for the fall 2018 semester include CNC Operator, Composite Fabrication, Aviation Sheet Metal Mechanic and Pre-Health for: Practical Nurse, Surgical Technology and Dental Assistant.

The decision to include the chosen programs came from industry need with a focus on short-term training that can be completed in one semester. This means employers can get the skilled workers they need faster and students can get started in their careers quickly. Over $125,000 worth of scholarships are available for the selected programs and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals interested in learning more or applying should visit www.wsutech.edu/WichitaPromise

WSU Tech, formerly Wichita Area Technical College, is the state’s leader in modern technical education offering over 100 degree and certificate options in aviation, healthcare, manufacturing, design, IT, criminal justice and business. WSU Tech is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a Kansas Board of Regents institution.