By Trish Svoboda

Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College have received a $461,840 grant from Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) to cover start-up costs for their strategic affiliation. The grant will be distributed over the next two years.

FHSU President Tisa Mason views this grant as a significant boost for the partnership, helping to transition it from concept to reality.

“We are incredibly grateful for the investment the ECMC Foundation has made in our affiliation initiative,” Mason said. “Our collective dedication to serving the students, communities, and businesses of Western Kansas is unwavering. This shared commitment is our guiding ‘North Star,’ mirroring the ECMC Foundation’s focus on closing equity gaps in higher education.”

Northwest Kansas Technical College President Ben Schears, who authored the grant proposal, remarked that the timely grant will support the three institutions in adhering to their ambitious plan and timeline for implementing the affiliation.

The ECMC grant will support the three institutions in achieving the goals of their affiliation, including:

· Enhancing ways to support students at various stages of their academic journey.

· Identifying innovative and flexible educational pathways between the institutions.

· Developing new programs and degrees to equip students with the skills needed for career advancement.

· Strengthening partnerships with regional employers to offer real-world experience and local job opportunities.

· Upholding a shared commitment to providing exceptional access and affordability.

The strategic affiliation initiative, established by the presidents of FHSU, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College, represents a significant effort to tackle the persistent outflow of professionals from rural Western Kansas.