Elevating Affordable Transfer Programs and Career and Technical Education

Kansas community colleges invite citizens to join them in celebrating National Community College Month this April. With community colleges spread across the state, these institutions drive economic growth, provide the workforce critical to the state's economy, and foster educational opportunities that make possible prosperous economic futures for students. 

An economic study released in November 2023 by Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, found that between 2021 – 2022 Kansas’ community colleges added $6.7 billion in income to the state economy, or approximately 3.3% of Kansas’ gross state product (GSP).

The affordability of community colleges is a major financial advantage to students. Kansas’ robust network of community colleges served more than 90,000 students in 2023.

"Kansas community colleges are undoubtedly the best value in higher education—whether a student is seeking a pathway to a four-year degree or wants to receive the education needed to go directly into a skilled trade, Kansas community colleges are ready to serve students of all ages at an affordable price," said Heather Morgan, executive director of the Kansas Association of Community Colleges. 

National Community College Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the transformative power of community colleges, which continue to bridge the gap between the unskilled and a trained workforce. Career-focused programs, flexible schedules, and lower tuition have afforded thousands of Kansans the opportunity to achieve their educational and professional aspirations.

Coffeyville Community College, with its Coffeyville and Columbus campuses, offers a diverse range of technical programs designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in various industries. With a total of 18 technical programs and 14 certificate programs, students have a wealth of options to choose from. These programs cover a broad spectrum, including Allied Health, Automotive Service Technology, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Construction Technology, Electrical Power Technology, Electrical Technology, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Fire Science, Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology, Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing, Paramedic, Phlebotomy, Precision Machining, and Welding. Whether aspiring to work in healthcare, transportation, construction, or manufacturing, Coffeyville Community College provides comprehensive training and education to prepare students for success in their chosen fields. Through hands-on learning experiences and expert instruction, students gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the workforce upon graduation.

In addition to its robust technical programs, Coffeyville Community College has recently introduced an exciting opportunity for aspiring Elementary Education majors. Through this initiative, students pursuing a career in Elementary Education can enroll at CCC and seamlessly transfer to any university within the State of Kansas. This pathway not only provides students with a solid foundation in education but also ensures a smooth transition to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor's degree. By offering comprehensive support and guidance, CCC aims to empower future educators to achieve their academic and professional goals while making higher education more accessible and affordable. This innovative program reflects CCC's commitment to providing quality education and fostering the success of its students in various fields, including education.

CCC continues to adapt and implement much-needed workforce training for southeast Kansas.  "Our goal is to be a game changer for our region to support our area school districts, area industry, and our communities." said Dr. Thornburg.  The support of our area communities is vital to CCC's continued success.

Facts About Kansas Community Colleges:

● Remain the most affordable option to access higher education.

● Serve and support citizens from all walks of life.

● Work to ensure seamless transfer of credits to four-year universities in Kansas.

● Provide personalized attention to students with faculty mentors focused on student success.

● Partner with business and industry for innovative workforce training.