WSU Tech reaches over $1M in scholarships awarded through Wichita Promise program
Wichita, KAN — It has been 3 years since WSU Tech, then Wichita Area Technical College, announced the launch of a new workforce initiative titled Wichita Promise. This scholarship program, aimed at removing the barriers that keep individuals from getting trained, promises tuition-free training in high-demand career fields and a guaranteed job interview for participants. Fast forward to today and WSU Tech has awarded over $1.1 million in scholarships to more than 730 individuals.
“We knew we had to do something,” said WSU Tech President, Dr. Sheree Utash, “Wichita needs a trained workforce if we are going to continue to grow and keep businesses here. We wanted to show the people in our community that if you are unemployed, underemployed or are looking for a new career you don’t have to let the fear of what it will cost hold you back from going after it.”
The financial support of the scholarships began with the reallocation of institutional funds by WSU Tech before community organizations, business and industry and the City of Wichita stepped in to help. Supporting organizations have included the Fidelity Bank Foundation, the Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA), the Wichita Community Foundation, Emprise Bank, Spirit AeroSystems, the Consortium American Advisors, Wichita City Councilmember Brandon Johnson, and Wichita City Councilmember James Clendenin.
“It has been an exciting few years. Not only to see the community get behind this initiative but to see how it is changing the lives of these students.” said Utash,” We are seeing students come to the college and in just a few weeks leave with well-paying jobs and a new future. That is why we do programs like this.”
WSU Tech has no plan to slow down and anticipate reaching a total of over 1,000 Wichita Promise scholarships awarded by the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.
The scholarship applications for the 2019 summer semester and 2019 fall semester opened this week. Eligible programs include aviation sheetmetal assembly, composite fabrication, process mechanic paint and pre-health courses for practical nurse, dental assistant, and surgical technology. The scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Individuals who are interested in applying should visit www.WSUTECH.edu/WichitaPromise.
WSU Tech will also be holding information sessions for the three eligible aviation programs every Tuesday at 10:00 am and Thursday at 3:00 pm. The information sessions will be held at the college’s main campus, the National Center for Aviation Training, located at 4004 N. Webb Road. To RSVP visit www.WSUTECH.edu/events or visit the college’s Facebook page for more information.
WSU Tech is the state’s leader in modern technical education offering over 100 degree and certificate options in aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, criminal justice and business. In 2018, WSU Tech was named the 2nd fastest growing college among two-year colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. WSU Tech serves as managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS and is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a Kansas Board of Regents institution. For more information, visit www.WSUTECH.edu.
