by Kelly Rogge
Time is running out to enroll in tuition-free technical courses at Kansas City Kansas Community College.
Gov. Sam Brownback proposed an initiative in 2012 to enhance career technical education in Kansas, helping to prepare high school students for careers in these fields at the same time. The result was Senate Bill 155, which provides state funding to offset the college tuition for students who earn college credit in these tiered career technical courses. The free tuition applies to all technical courses in approved programs at public community colleges and technical schools in the state of Kansas. It does not cover the cost of textbooks or other supplies.
“High school students who take advantage of this opportunity will be on a fast track to a technical career,” said Karalin McKain, executive director at the KCKCC-Leavenworth Center. “With tuition paid by the state, the family saves money.”
Numerous certificate and degree programs at KCKCC are part of this program. These include Audio Engineering, Digital Imaging Design, Multimedia Video Production, Web Application and Design, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Mortuary Science, Cosmetology, Professional Cooking, Hazardous Materials, Drafting (CAD), Early Childhood Education, Paralegal, Criminal Justice – Police Science, Corrections, Victim/Survivor Services, Fire Science, Homeland Security Certificate, Construction Technology, Electrical Technology, Building and Property Maintenance, Computer Repair, Major Appliance Technology, Heating and Refrigeration, Auto Collision Repair, Automotive Technology, Automotive Hybrid and Electric Vehicle and Machine Technology, among others. Programs such as Nursing (RN and LPN), Business Administration, Accounting, Administrative Office Professionals and Marketing, also qualify.
Students can enroll in programs at any one of KCKCC’s campuses including the main campus, KCKCC-TEC or KCKCC-Leavenworth.
To be eligible, students must be a Kansas resident; currently attend a public or private high school where they are classified as either a junior or senior; complete the KCKCC online application for admission; have a high school concurrent and/or Dual Enrollment Recommendation form signed by the school’s principal; meet placement test score requirements (ACT, SAT or COMPASS) or are classified as a gifted student in his/her freshman year of high school. A copy of the student’s Individual Education Program must accompany the recommendation form if they are considered a gifted student. A student who has dropped out and enrolled in a GED program does not qualify. Students who are enrolled in a Kansas online high school are eligible if the program is offered through a public school district. Students do not have to declare a major at KCKCC to qualify.
For more information, contact KCKCC at 913-334-1100, KCKCC-TEC at 913-288-7800 or KCKCC-Leavenworth at 913-651-2111. Information is also available on the college’s website at www.kckcc.edu.