Augusta Public Schools Launches New Career Technical Education Pathways Through Partnership with WSU Tech

AUGUSTA, Kan. — Augusta Public Schools today announced the launch of new industry-aligned college pathways in manufacturing, automation, and robotics through a new partnership with Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech). This marks the first formal partnership between WSU Tech and a school district in Butler County, expanding high-demand technical education opportunities for Augusta students.

Beginning Fall 2026, students will have access to college-level courses that provide both academic credit and industry-recognized credentials—at no cost to families. Tuition for these classes is fully covered by Kansas’ Excel in Career and Technical Education (Excel in CTE) initiative, which funds free CTE courses for high school students throughout the state. Enrollment for the new pathways opens in February.

“These pathways represent the kind of opportunities we want for our students and for our community,” said Matthew Ward, Superintendent of Augusta Public Schools. “Augusta Public Schools is positioning itself as a regional leader in career and technical education- a place where students gain real-world skills, earn credentials and college credit, and graduate ready to step into high-wage, high-demand careers. This partnership with WSU Tech moves us closer to that vision.”

Local industry leaders are also welcoming the news. Jeff Brown, Sr. Vice President of DJ Engineering in Augusta, said, “The demand for skilled talent in advanced manufacturing and machining continues to grow, and programs like these are essential to developing the workforce our community needs. Augusta students will now have a direct pathway into careers where they can build, innovate, and contribute to companies like ours right here at home.”

This announcement also aligns with Phase II of the district’s recently approved bond initiative, which includes strategic upgrades to Augusta High School’s career and technical education wing. The enhanced learning spaces are designed to support modern technical programs and hands-on learning environments.

“We are excited to bring WSU Tech’s proven workforce-aligned training to Augusta Public Schools,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “When education, industry, and community come together with a shared vision, powerful things happen. These pathways will open doors for students, strengthen the local workforce, and support the continued growth of Augusta and Butler County. We are proud to be a partner in building that future.”

Augusta students interested in enrolling in the new pathways will be able to meet with school counselors beginning in February to plan their coursework for the 2026-27 school year.