Published April 2, 2024
Christina HaselhorstDirector of Foundation & Community Relationschaselhorst@dc3.edu
Kansas Community Colleges Celebrate Contribution to Kansas Economy
Elevating Affordable Transfer Programs and Career and Technical Education
[Dodge City, KS, April 1, 2024] – Kansas community colleges invite citizens to join them in celebrating National Community College Month this April. With community colleges spread across the state, these institutions drive economic growth, provide the workforce critical to the state’s economy, and foster educational opportunities that make possible prosperous economic futures for students.
An economic study released in November 2023 by Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, found that between 2021 – 2022 Kansas’ community colleges added $6.7 billion in income to the state economy, or approximately 3.3% of Kansas’ gross state product (GSP).
The affordability of community colleges is a major financial advantage to students. Kansas’ robust network of community colleges served more than 90,000 students in 2023.
“Kansas community colleges are undoubtedly the best value in higher education—whether a student is seeking a pathway to a four-year degree or wants to receive the education needed to go directly into a skilled trade, Kansas community colleges are ready to serve students of all ages at an affordable price,” said Heather Morgan, executive director of the Kansas Association of Community Colleges.
National Community College Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the transformative power of community colleges, which continue to bridge the gap between the unskilled and a trained workforce. Career-focused programs, flexible schedules, and lower tuition have afforded thousands of Kansans the opportunity to achieve their educational and professional aspirations.
One of the many ways that Dodge City Community College (DC3) promotes education is through our career and technical education programs. In a continued effort to bolster programs like Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology, DC3 has begun construction of a new Automotive Technology wing of the DC3 Technical Education Center to be completed by Fall 2024 through grant funding and State of Kansas tax-credit fundraising.
“DC3 is excited to celebrate National Community College Month alongside the other amazing game-changer community colleges in Kansas and want to thank the Southwest Kansas community for all their continued support,” Dr. Harold Nolte, DC3 President, said.
Christina Haselhorst, DC3 Director of Foundation & Community Relations, added, “We invite all students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members to electronically sign our support page in support of community colleges nationwide (https://tinyurl.com/DC3CCMonth). You can also send statements of support to alumni@dc3.edu.”
Facts About Kansas Community Colleges:
About DC3:
The Dodge City Junior College was established in 1935 in response to the hardships and challenges of Ford County citizens during the Great Depression. For 22 years, the college was housed on the third floor of the Dodge City High School (currently Comanche Middle School). In 1957, the college moved to the former junior high school building (the building no longer exists). Continued growth necessitated the purchases of additional homes across the street. Out of space again in the late 1960s, property was acquired and dirt work began on a new multi-building campus west of town. It officially opened in 1970. The college’s mascot, the conquistador, was officially given the name of Coronado on Sept. 9, 2020.
Today, DC3 has a main campus in Dodge City, Kan., with educational locations located in four different places throughout the city) and a teaching location in Chandler, Ariz. Soon, the college plans to expand online offerings for students everywhere.