Washburn Tech expands HVAC program with new certifications and Promise Act eligibility

In a significant move for vocational education, the Board of Regents approved an expansion of the HVAC program at Washburn Institute of Technology during their meeting on May 15, 2025. This decision allows the institution to add three new certification exit points, enhancing opportunities for students in a high-demand field.

The program expansion will introduce certifications A and C, along with an Associate of Applied Science degree, totaling 63 credit hours. This initiative stems from feedback gathered during discussions with the program's advisory committee, which highlighted the need for more flexible exit points for students. Currently, the existing certification B will be phased out as these new options are implemented.

Washburn Tech's proposal received strong backing, including letters of support from local high schools, emphasizing the program's alignment with regional workforce needs. Data from the recent Perkins local needs assessment revealed a stark contrast between the number of students entering the HVAC field—45 concentrators—and the 77 annual job openings available in the Topeka region.

The estimated initial cost for the program expansion is $209,716, primarily allocated to existing faculty salaries. The committee also discussed the Excel and CTE fees associated with the program, which total $572, and confirmed the program's eligibility under the Kansas Promise Act, recognizing it as a high-wage, high-demand occupation.

The committee's approval was unanimous, placing the HVAC program expansion, along with the associated fees and Promise Act eligibility, on the consent agenda. This decision not only reflects the institution's commitment to meeting local industry demands but also enhances educational pathways for students pursuing careers in HVAC technology.