Wichita Kansas | October 10, 2024
By Claudia Amaro
Sedgwick County has the largest Latino population in Kansas, with 91,006 Latinos—17% of the county’s population—according to 2023 U.S. Census data. Projections indicate this number could reach 19% within five years. Additionally, according to Geoscape Intelligence System (GIS) 2023 data, Latinos in Kansas spend $29.06 million on education each year.
WSU Tech, a technical college in Sedgwick County, is home to the top-ranked aviation and advanced manufacturing programs in the country at its National Center for Aviation Training. The college, formerly known as Wichita Area Technical College, rebranded in 2018 after its affiliation with Wichita State University (WSU). This partnership enables students to easily transfer general education courses to WSU and gain access to additional student services and resources, enhancing educational opportunities while addressing workforce needs in Kansas.
In recognition of its growing Latino student population, WSU Tech was recently designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education. This designation is given to institutions with an undergraduate full-time enrollment of at least 25% Hispanic students. Since 2019, WSU Tech’s Hispanic/Latino enrollment has increased by 45.4%, from 943 students in the fall of 2019 to 1,371 in the fall of 2023.
Commitment to Accessibility and Community Support
Planeta Venus spoke with Samuel Nava, Assistant Director of Community Resource Navigators, and Andy McFayden, Executive Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, who have both been instrumental in securing WSU Tech’s HSI designation. According to Nava, this achievement was part of a three-year strategic plan spearheaded by WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash. "This designation brings the institution eligibility for Title III and Title V grants," Nava explained. "It also reflects our advocacy for accessibility and our commitment to promoting Hispanic culture and supporting Hispanic students in higher education."
McFayden, who has prioritized community outreach and engagement, emphasized that WSU Tech is focused on making education more equitable, accessible, and affordable. "Our goal is to get students into high-demand, high-wage jobs," he said. "It’s about more than just enrollment numbers—we’re committed to retention and helping students complete their education and achieve career success."
As part of their efforts to engage with the local Latino community, WSU Tech placed community navigators in neighborhood resource centers across Wichita, including the Evergreen Community Center and Library in the predominantly Hispanic and Latino north Wichita area. These navigators assist potential students and their families with enrollment, financial aid, and other resources to help them succeed in higher education. Nava, the first navigator in this program, used his bilingual skills to connect with Latino families and provide guidance on the FAFSA and other application processes. "We’re excited to keep growing," Nava shared. "We’re a Hispanic-Serving Institution, but that doesn’t mean we’re Hispanic-exclusive. Any barrier we remove for Hispanic students benefits all our students."
Breaking Barriers and Looking Ahead
In addition to its technical degree offerings, WSU Tech also prepares students for four-year degree options through programs like the Shocker Pathway and the Organizational Leadership and Learning (OLL) degree. Through the Shocker Pathway, students can start at WSU Tech, save money, and transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree at WSU.
In October 2024, WSU and WSU Tech announced a record-breaking combined enrollment of 23,806 students for the fall semester. Moving forward, the WSU Tech HSI committee will collaborate with consultants to evaluate data and explore new initiatives, programming, and partnerships.
For McFayden, the ultimate goal is to ensure students are career-ready upon graduation. "Education is just the beginning," he said. "We want students to secure jobs, succeed, and remain in those jobs. We’re dedicated to providing career opportunities and ensuring that students feel the value of their efforts."
As WSU Tech continues to grow, it remains committed to supporting Wichita’s evolving workforce needs and helping its diverse student body thrive.
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