WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — WSU Tech is handing out funds and creating a special time for families as it welcomes new students. A signing day celebration was held on Wednesday.
Just as high school athletes are recognized when they enter college, WSU Tech celebrates students who sign letters of intent.
“We want to respect our students’ choice to pursue a career in technical education, just as we would be honored to pursue a career in sports as well,” WSU Tech spokesperson said Director Mandy Fouse. “We do everything. We have the hats. We got the signatures. We have the press conference…we got a lot of money. We have moms and dads here. We're all giving these students $1,000. We are really excited to have won the scholarship and have him attend our school this year.”
Joseph Eggers signed up Wednesday. He is learning industrial machinery maintenance.
“I'm really excited and really grateful that they're offering it,” he said.
Another student, Levi, enrolled as an aviation mechanic.
“My high school had this ad and I read all the courses, but this one fascinated me the most,” he said. “He also looked for some jobs in this field, but at first he was paid about $20 to $30.”
WSU Tech's Signing Day event on Wednesday was held at the National Aviation Training Center and South Campus. Another celebration will be held Thursday at the City Center campus.
Last year, the school awarded 150 scholarships. This year, more than 260 students pledged to participate in the Signing Day event.
“Life is changing. That's why we're ramping up our workforce and that's the real reason,” Fords said.
