USD 239: North Ottawa County Public Schools is proud to announce a new partnership with Salina Area Technical College (SATC) to allow high school students enrolled in Agriculture Welding 1 and 2 to earn concurrent college credit in key welding courses. Through this collaboration, students will now have the opportunity to receive college credit for the following classes: Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Cutting Process, and Welding Blueprint Reading.
The State of Kansas funds this initiative through Senate Bill 155, a program designed to cover tuition costs for eligible Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. In addition to tuition support, USD 239 will receive supplemental funding to help offset the high cost of course materials required for welding instruction.
“This program is a win-win for our students and our school district,” said Chas Hauck, Agriculture Welding instructor. “It is exciting to be a part of a program that will allow our rural school to offer concurrent college credit for our students.”
Welding courses require significant investment in materials and equipment, making them more expensive to offer at the high school level. With Senate Bill 155 funding, students will earn college credit at no cost, and the district will also gain access to much-needed financial resources to enhance its program.
To celebrate the launch of this initiative, Jennifer Callis, Vice President of Student Affairs at SATC, traveled to Minneapolis to visit the welding classroom, meet students, and discuss future educational opportunities. The event was attended by several USD 239 staff members, community members, and parents, all gathered to recognize the impact of this new opportunity.
“Salina Area Technical College is proud to partner with North Ottawa County Public Schools to provide concurrent-college credit to rural students,” said Mrs. Callis during her visit. She also had the opportunity to tour the facility, engage with students, and explore future collaborations.
USD 239 Superintendent Dr. Curtis Stevens shared his enthusiasm for the new partnership: “I appreciate the hard work of Mr. Moeckel, Ms. Beikmann, Mrs. Wallace, Mr. Hauck, Salina Area Technical College Administration, and USD 239’s Board of Education for being willing to approve this opportunity. Everyone is committed to our district’s new vision of developing a premier community inspiring all to learn, work, and thrive. This partnership is a vivid example of the Board of Education's belief in that vision by supporting this endeavor.”
Approximately nine students are enrolled in the program's inaugural year, with plans to expand as more students take an interest in this hands-on, career-focused opportunity.
Christina Wallace, FFA Advisor, noted how this program ties into student competition and community support: “Our Agriculture Welding students are participating in multiple competitions this year. They must design and build a project in a compressed time, following rigorous specifications. We are thankful for the community and business partnerships that have helped donate supplies and safety equipment. One example is Great Plains Manufacturing, which donated a crucial part of our safety equipment—the Shade 10 welding helmets for our students.”
As the district looks ahead, USD 239 is committed to building even more community and industry partnerships that enhance student learning and career readiness. This program is just one example of how technical education can bridge the classroom and the workforce.
USD 239 invites local business and industry leaders to get involved. Whether through material donations, guest speaking engagements, or hosting job shadowing and work-based learning experiences, your support can make a meaningful impact on our future labor needs in Ottawa County.
If you or your organization wants to get involved, please contact USD 239 Superintendent Dr. Curtis Stevens at 785-392-2167 or CStevens@usd239.org.
Front Row (Left to Right): Dr. Stevens, Holly Nelson, Kinsley Crosson, Jasper Johns, Carson Nichols, Aiden Anderson, Dalton Krueger, Chas Hauck, and Val Beikmann
Back Row (Left to Right): Ashley Johnson, Jennifer Callis, Christina Wallace, Cooper Cline, John Johnson, Kyle Phipps, Terry Moeckel, and Tammy Krueger