Twelve High School Students Earn Technical Program Certificates from GCCC
[Garden City, KS] May 7, 2024 - Garden City Community College celebrates the remarkable achievements of 12 local high school students who recently earned technical program certificates courtesy of the statewide initiative "Excel in CTE." Formerly known as Senate Bill 155, this legislation covers tuition costs for high school students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) college-level courses in Kansas.
This year, two local high school students completed the 17-credit hour Certificate A in Early Childhood Education through the Excel in CTE program. Furthermore, 10 other area high school students fulfilled the requirements for the 18-credit hour Certificate A in Carpentry, highlighting the program's ability to nurture a diverse array of technical skills and interests.
Excel in CTE has not only provided opportunities for high school students to pursue their career interests but has also significantly reduced financial barriers to higher education. The program covers tuition costs for high school students enrolled in college-level career and technical education (CTE) courses at GCCC. Moreover, students benefit from waived course fees and free access to online textbooks, making higher education more accessible and affordable.
Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College, emphasized the program's significance, stating, "Garden City Community College, through its Career and Technical Education courses, is not only providing invaluable opportunities to our youth, but also empowering the workforce. The Excel in CTE program is a testament to GCCC's commitment to fostering innovation, accessibility, and success in career-oriented education.
One of this year's outstanding graduates is David Serrano-Perez from Garden City High School. He has shown exceptional dedication and skill by completing the 18-credit hour Carpentry Certificate A and 18 credit hours of coursework toward Automotive and Welding certificates. Reflecting on his experience with the GCCC dual credit CTE program, David said, "GCCC helped me learn about different trades and decide what I wanted to do after high school." He plans to continue his education at GCCC by pursuing the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic program.
Additionally, many area high school students utilized the free Excel in CTE opportunities to earn state and/or industry certificates and licenses through GCCC this year. These students included 14 in Cosmetology, 10 in Carpentry, 25 in Automotive, 1 in Emergency Medical Responder/Technician, and 190 in Welding at their local high schools.
GCCC offers a wide range of tuition-free CTE courses on campus, with classes typically scheduled every afternoon from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Students can earn college credits and industry certifications in programs such as Allied Health (CNA, CMA), Automotive, Carpentry, EMR/EMT, and Manicuring.
Furthermore, GCCC offers select CTE courses online to accommodate high school students, with some available through platforms like Zoom for flexibility and convenience. These tuition-free programs include Accounting, Business Administration, Home Health Aid, Computer Science, Early Childhood Education, and Production Agriculture.
For more information on the Excel in CTE dual credit program at GCCC, students are encouraged to contact their high school counselor or Dawn Tucker, GCCC Dual Credit Coordinator, at dawn.tucker@gcccks.edu or 620-276-0441. Additional details are available on the GCCC website: https://www.gcccks.edu/admissions/student_type/dual_credit_student.aspx.
--
Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.