Cowley College Awarded $41,055 Grant to Expand Sumner Welding Program

Cowley College is excited to announce a significant boost to its Welding program, thanks to a $41,055 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Jobs and Innovative Industry Skills Training Grant (JIIST). This award, complemented by $49,981 in matching funds from the college, will enable an expansion of the Welding lab at the Cowley College Sumner Wellington location.

Since its establishment in 2018, the welding facility has operated with nine functional stations out of an intended ten due to outdated equipment and inadequate fume extraction systems. To address these issues and meet the growing demand for skilled welders in our community, Cowley College will utilize the grant to fund the addition of seven new welding stations, complete with modern booths, an advanced extraction system, and updated weld tables.

Cowley College President Michelle Schoon emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, “The demand for welding skills has continued to increase in our service area, and we have seen a surge in student interest in the program.” The expansion will enhance the college’s ability to train more students and ensure a safer and more efficient learning environment.

Zach Cooper, Director of Cowley College Sumner Campus, shared, “With the grant, we can update some of the equipment that we have in the shop, and we are adding two additional seats in the welding classroom to offer opportunities for more students to grow.”

In addition to the grant, Cowley College will contribute matching funds to purchase the new stations, provide in-kind labor for setup, and secure additional metal for the program through generous donations from local businesses. This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to meeting workforce needs and enhancing educational opportunities in our region.

We look forward to the impact of this expansion on our students and community, further strengthening Cowley College’s role in providing high-quality vocational training.

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