Cowley College Receives $264,000 Grant for Welding Program Expansion

Cowley College is pleased to announce that it has received a $264,000 Community Project (CP) Funding/Congressional Directed Spending grant to support the expansion and enhancement of its welding program. This significant funding, made possible through the support of Senator Jerry Moran, will be utilized to acquire state-of-the-art welding equipment and to provide advanced training for faculty.

“Cowley Community College’s welding program offers students hands-on learning opportunities to learn about challenges welders face and how to adapt with them,” said Sen. Moran. “Through acquiring new equipment and expanding the program, students can continue gaining valuable experience that will prepare them to meet industry standards and needs.”

The grant will facilitate the expansion of the welding program into a newly designated space within the Tyler Technical Education Center. This expansion will address the growing need for skilled welding technicians in South Central Kansas. The funds will enable the college to integrate advanced welding technologies, including robotics and new materials, into the curriculum, thereby better-preparing students for the evolving demands of the industry.

Dr. Michelle Schoon, President of Cowley College, expressed her appreciation for Senator Moran’s continued support of workforce development initiatives, stating, “We are immensely grateful to Senator Moran for his dedication to enhancing vocational training across our state. This grant represents a significant step forward in our mission to meet the increasing demand for skilled welders and to support the workforce needs of our community.”

As the vocational training sector faces challenges in attracting new entrants, this grant underscores Cowley College’s commitment to adapting to workforce and community needs. Welders are currently in high demand in Kansas, with an annual mean wage of $46,390. The college’s focus on providing comprehensive training in advanced welding technologies is central to its mission and vision of responding to evolving industry needs.

Additional learning opportunities in Welding can be found on the Cowley Welding Program webpage. 

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu