July 24, 2012
Story by Brandon Steinert
High school students have a valuable new opportunity available. Gov. Sam Brownback recently signed into law a bill that covers the tuition of career technical education courses for high school students.
Dozens of Barton’s classes, both online and on-site, qualify under the bill’s framework. That means students can take advantage of classes at no cost to them, except textbooks and program fees as applicable.
One intent of the legislation is to educate high school students to a point where they could begin a career immediately or shortly after graduating from high school. Degree and certificate completion is possible and the state will give high schools $1,000 toward their general funds for every student who completes a program before their high school graduation date, though general education requirements are not covered in the bill’s parameters.
“This can amount to amazing financial savings for families who choose to pursue these benefits,” Barton Vice President Dr. Penny Quinn said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for high school students to make significant progress toward completion of a technical certification program before they even graduate from high school.”
Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education Elaine Simmons agreed, adding that it gives students a test drive of career paths in which they might be interested.
“They can explore potential career fields before investing financial aid allocations, money and time in a technical program,” she said. “The training opportunities available with the passing of Senate Bill 155 provide high school students the opportunity to enter the workforce sooner, which is an economic win for students, their families, employers and local economies.”
Those interested in taking advantage of the program should contact Barton’s Admissions Department at (620) 792-9286 for details.
Some popular courses that qualify include:
Accounting I
Plant Science
Fundamentals of Mechanics
Computer Concepts
Introduction to Business
Customer Service
Introduction to Early Childhood
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Nutrition Therapy
Technical Drafting
AC/DC Circuit Fundamentals
EMT
Introduction to Fire Science
Medical Coding
Principles of Phlebotomy
Nursing Home Aide
Networking I
Introduction to Natural Gas Distribution
Orientation to Pharmacy Technician
Principles of Management
Introduction to Corrections
Medical Administrative Procedures
AND MANY MORE!!
