What is it?: In January 2012, Governor Brownback announced a bold and innovative plan to enhance career technical education in Kansas and better prepare high school students for college and careers. The legislatures responded with Senate Bill 155 which provides new state dollars to pay college tuition for high school students earning college credits in technical courses and at the same time, earn an industry credential valued by employers. The free college tuition applies to any and all technical courses in approved programs at public community and technical colleges.

Wichita Public Schools is partnering with several area schools in order for students to take full advantage of this exciting opportunity. In addition to on-campus partnerships with Wichita Area Technical College (WATC) and Hutchinson Community College (HCC), WATC has developed several half-day programs built around different occupational areas that allow students across Sedgwick County to earn dual credit, both high school and college credit.