Wichita Area Technical College WATC offers associate's degrees in accounting, aviation maintenance technician, personal computer specialist, communications technology, construction technology, electronic engineering technology, food service management, fashion and interior marketing, dental assistant, medical assistant, medical laboratory technician, surgical technology, manufacturing technology, marketing mid-management, legal office specialist, medical office specialist, office specialist and transportation technology. Wichita Technical Institute WTI offers a 20-month program resulting in a diploma in electronics technology that includes two licenses and two certifications. Its average enrollment is 50. Classes start April 2. The center is a collaboration and educational partnership among Wichita State University, Cowley County Community College and the Wichita Area Technical College.
Individuals can take courses from each of the three educational institutions.
The center has grown from 600 credit hours with 250 students in 1996 to 9,000 credit hours and over 3,000 students in 2000. Butler County Community College, Cowley County Community College, the Wichita Area Technical College and Wichita State University each offer customized training for business and industry. Programs are tailored to the particular needs of each customer. One of the Chamber's top goals for 2001 is to improve the system of technical training in Kansas, but especially south central Kansas. Kansas does quite well in providing access and affordable academic education, ranking in the top four states.