WICHITA, Kan. — The WSU Tech Foundation is proud to announce a $10,000 contribution from Goodwill Industries of Kansas to support WSU Tech’s FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab, a signature outreach program raising awareness of Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities across Kansas. The check presentation took place today during the FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab’s visit to the Learning Lab in Wichita, where students participated in a healthcare activity and career exploration. With this latest gift, Goodwill’s cumulative investment in the FutureMaker program totals $190,000, reflecting a long-standing commitment to expanding access to high-quality career exposure for Kansans statewide.

The FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab introduces Kansas middle school, high school, and GED-seeking students to high-demand careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as other CTE fields critical to Kansas’ workforce needs. The Lab’s 60-foot truck-and-trailer is equipped with innovative, interactive technology designed to help learners discover real-world career pathways by experiencing them firsthand.

“Goodwill has been an essential partner in the FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab from the very beginning,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “We are grateful for Goodwill’s continued investment and belief in this work. Their support helps us bring engaging, hands-on learning experiences directly to students and adult learners across Kansas, opening doors to meaningful careers and strengthening the future workforce of our state.”

Goodwill Industries of Kansas President and CEO Laura Ritterbush emphasized that the gift reflects Goodwill’s community-driven mission and the support of Kansans across the region. “This donation, and the support of these Wichita students, is possible thanks to our shoppers and donors,” Ritterbush said. “Every time you donate items to Goodwill, shop in our stores, or choose to round up at the register, you are supporting local programs like the FutureMaker Lab.”

The FutureMaker was originally created through a partnership between WSU Tech and Goodwill Industries of Kansas to address workforce shortages in technical fields by connecting learners to career possibilities through hands-on demonstrations and emerging technology. Rather than simply telling students about technical careers, FutureMaker allows them to explore and engage with activities that spark curiosity and confidence.

To learn more about the FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab, visit www.futuremakerlab.com.

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. 

Wichita State University and WSU Tech together create a comprehensive educational environment that elevates student achievement and supports the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond. Wichita State is Kansas’ only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven. 

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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About Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc.
As a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Goodwill Industries of Kansas (GWKS) believes in the power of work to change lives. GWKS gives Kansans with disabilities and employment barriers the tools to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Through employment, education and training we champion the promise of what’s possible for every person in our community. In addition, adults work toward their high school diploma and other certificate programs through NexStep Alliance, a partnership between Goodwill and WSU Tech. In 2025, over 18,000 Kansans received services through Goodwill. These programs are supported by 20 retail stores in Kansas along with an e-commerce platform: shopgoodwill.com/ks.