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Community and technical colleges highlight enrollment, credentials and economic impact to Kansas workforce
Summary
Representatives from Kansas community and technical colleges reported that the two-year sector accounts for roughly half of state higher-education headcount and nearly half of credentials awarded; colleges also described new program partnerships (drones, teacher pipeline, respiratory therapy) and local workforce initiatives.
Leaders from Kansas community and technical colleges reported Aug. 21 that the two-year sector continues to be a major conduit into the Kansas workforce, with sector-wide headcount, credential production and recent partnerships highlighted at the Technical Education Authority meeting.
Amber Kanetchen, representing the 19 community colleges, said 2024 KeyStats show community colleges had a headcount of 91,220 (about 42% of all Kansas higher-education students) and awarded 15,719 credentials (about 35% of statewide credentials); combined with technical colleges the two-year sector represents roughly half of Kansas higher-education students and close to half of credentials awarded. Amber cited the sector’s 2023 economic impact study showing community colleges supported about 106,000 jobs and added roughly $6.7 billion in income to the state economy.
Kanetchen and other presidents highlighted selected local initiatives: Cloud’s drone certificates (16- and 30-hour and an associate degree in drone technology); a new teacher pathway and youth registered apprenticeship in Topeka that allows high-school students to complete an associate degree concurrent with their diploma; partnerships to expand respiratory therapy training; and college-level supports such as tuition assistance programs and mobile labs for K–12 outreach.
Greg Nichols, speaking for the technical colleges, noted examples including CDL simulators funded by philanthropy, new construction innovation centers supported by regional foundations, expanded nursing and allied-health cohorts, and industry-aligned internships and employer partnerships that increase placement speed for graduates.
College leaders said their work supports workforce recruitment and retention for Kansas employers and urged continued recognition of two-year education’s role in statewide economic development.
