Courses available at BCC
This is a partial list of courses at Barton Community College that are available tuition-free to high school students:
Accounting I, Plant Science, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Computer Concepts, Introduction to Business, Customer Service, Introduction to Early Childhood, Introduction to Criminal Justice
Nutrition Therapy, Technical Drafting, AC/DC Circuit Fundamentals, EMT, Introduction to Fire Science, Medical Coding, Principles of Phlebotomy, Nursing Home Aide, Networking I, Introduction to Natural Gas Distribution
Orientation to Pharmacy Technician, Principles of Management, Introduction to Corrections, Medical Administrative Procedures
High school students are now eligible for tuition-free career technical education courses, under a bill recently signed by Gov. Sam Brownback.
Officials at Barton Community College note that dozens of Barton’s classes, both online and on-site, qualify under the bill’s framework. That means students can take advantage of classes at no cost to them, except textbooks and program fees as applicable.
One intent of the legislation is to educate high school students to a point where they could begin a career immediately or shortly after graduating from high school. Degree and certificate completion is possible and the state will give high schools $1,000 toward their general funds for every student who completes a program before their high school graduation date, though general education requirements are not covered in the bill’s parameters.
“This can amount to amazing financial savings for families who choose to pursue these benefits,” Barton Vice President Dr. Penny Quinn said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for high school students to make significant progress toward completion of a technical certification program before they even graduate from high school.”
Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education Elaine Simmons agreed, adding that it gives students a test drive of career paths in which they might be interested.
“They can explore potential career fields before investing financial aid allocations, money and time in a technical program,” she said. “The training opportunities available with the passing of Senate Bill 155 provide high school students the opportunity to enter the workforce sooner, which is an economic win for students, their families, employers and local economies.”
Those interested in taking advantage of the program should contact Barton’s Admissions Department at (620) 792-9286 for details.
