Seward County Community College

Seward County Community College has been awarded approximately $2.2 million in first-year funding through the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program to launch the Southwest Kansas Career Pathways and Institutional Transformation Initiative, a five-year project focused on expanding workforce training, strengthening student success, and meeting the region’s growing demand for skilled workers.

SCCC anticipates receiving approximately $2.4 million in additional funding through annual continuation awards over the five-year project period.

“This is a transformational opportunity for SCCC and for the communities and employers we serve across Southwest Kansas,” said SCCC President Brad Bennett. “Our region is growing, and employers need skilled workers. This grant will allow us to expand our training capacity, create clearer pathways into high-demand careers, and strengthen the support systems we have in place to help our students reach their goals.”

The project will address workforce and student success needs across SCCC’s service area. Major components include:

Modernizing workforce facilities: Additions at SCCC/Conestoga Innovative Center – West Campus will increase training capacity by more than 83 percent, while a new Public Safety Training Complex will expand opportunities for education.

Expanding career pathways: Three high-demand career clusters will be redesigned into stackable credentials and pathways, giving students clearer routes from education to employment.

Strengthening student support: An early alert system integrated will provide real-time information for student case management, career navigation services will help students plan coursework relevant to their intended careers, and automating the library will provide students with secure, 24-hour access to learning workstations.

Deepening employer partnerships: The project will also strengthen connections among SCCC, regional employers, and students through more work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities.

“Students in our region are working hard to build better futures, often while balancing jobs and family responsibilities,” Bennett said. “We want SCCC to be the place where students can see a clear path from where they are today to where they want to be tomorrow. This project will help us remove barriers, strengthen career connections, and prepare more students for the opportunities we have right here in Southwest Kansas.”

The project also includes a long-term sustainability strategy designed to continue supporting workforce development after the five-year grant period ends.

“This investment will have an impact well beyond the grant period,” Bennett said. “We are building facilities, programs and partnerships that will strengthen SCCC and Southwest Kansas for years to come.”