BELOIT — North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, KS, to promote technical education to non-traditional students in its 26-county service area. This grant will fund scholarships for adult learners seeking to improve their career opportunities with additional education through NCK Tech.
The Dane G. Hansen Career Enhancement Scholarships will be awarded by NCK Tech to selected non-traditional applicants seeking to upgrade their skills, with the intent of starting a new career or advancing in their current profession. These individuals might face barriers preventing them from advancing the education, including: family and financial obligations, insufficient financial assistance, and lack of support services.
The number of scholarships awarded will vary based on the needs and number of applicants. Scholarship amounts will be determined by the financial need of the individual to successfully complete a selected technical program. In addition to tuition and fees directly associated with the cost of training, funds also might be available to help offset basic living and childcare expenses.
“These scholarships are intended for people with a financial need, typically over the age of 24, who are motivated to improve their situation, seeking technical training, and have a desire to work or start a business in Northwest Kansas once they graduate,” said NCK Tech President, Eric Burks. “For individuals who meet this description, this is an absolutely amazing opportunity!”
The Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. This scholarship is designed to identify individuals with a desire to live and work in Northwest Kansas, but who need assistance to improve their opportunities for success. The scholarships will attempt to removes some of the barriers and provide rural Kansans with assistance to further their skills through education and ultimately secure or enhance their employment, leading to a better life for themselves and their dependents.
“The Hansen Foundation is committed to finding a variety of ways to support the workforce in Northwest Kansas,” said Cy Moyer, president of the board of trustees. “We are eager to see how this partnership can make a difference for individuals who are already committed to living here and are looking to make Northwest Kansas their home forever.”
NCK Tech is dedicated to being a leader in workforce development and trains individuals in many of the technical areas needed to support the quality of life and the economy in north-central and northwest Kansas. NCK Tech’s mission is to deliver applied, innovative, and personalized education to empower learners, enrich lives, develop skilled professionals and strengthen economic systems.
“With such similar aspirations, NCK Tech is proud to partner with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation,” said Burks. “Together we recognize that, unlike students entering college right after high school who often have multiple financial aid opportunities, resources for non-traditional students can be limited. Additionally, many times these individuals are further down life’s path with family and financial obligations that keep them from pursuing the education they need. We’re hopeful these scholarships can help these individuals gain access to the training they need and ultimately provide a more skilled workforce for the region.”
Individuals interested in learning more about this opportunity please call 785-623-6167 or email nrainey@ncktc.edu