Wichita, KS — WSU Tech and Goodwill Industries of Kansas are celebrating a continued partnership through the FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab as Goodwill has contributed $25,000 to the WSU Tech Foundation to fund the mission of the mobile STEM unit. This donation brings their lifetime total gift to $155,000. Since its inception in 2017, the FutureMaker has traveled the state of Kansas with the 60-foot truck and trailer introducing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math to over 40,000 individuals including middle school, high school, and GED seeking students.
“As a leader in workforce development, Goodwill sees the FutureMaker’s ability to engage adult learners and students in communities in and outside of the metro area as a vital step in delivering the talent that employers are seeking,” said Laura Ritterbush, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kansas. “Our mission, just like our territory, is vast and we are proud to be founding partners of this program and to see it explore new ways to reach the next generation of workers.”
Participants are introduced to Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and occupations that are in-demand in the state of Kansas and across the country including welding, sheetmetal, aviation paint and AR/VR. Each year, the team works each year to develop new, hands-on stations to showcase more fields of study with the latest technology. New programs for 2022-23 include:
“The FutureMaker has been an effective tool in our efforts to bring awareness to high-wage, high-demand career fields and to destigmatize technical education,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “We are grateful to Goodwill for their partnership in promoting technical careers as a strong choice for high school and adult GED students.”
Teachers or administrators who schedule the FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab at their schools are provided the opportunity to supplement their lessons in these content areas, making learning “sticky” and aiding in student retention and application of current curriculum. Community event organizers who schedule the FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab will find it to be an engaging way to offer hands-on career demonstrations for participants that add value to their event or camp. To book the FutureMaker Mobile Learning Lab for your school or community event, visit www.futuremakerlab.com.
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About WSU Tech
WSU Tech is the state’s leader in modern technical education offering over 100 degree and certificate options in aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science and business. In 2018, WSU Tech was named the 2nd fastest growing college among two-year colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. WSU Tech serves as managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS and is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a Kansas Board of Regents institution. For more information, visit www.WSUTECH.edu.
The WSU Tech Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to help change the lives of WSUTech students through scholarships and emergency loans thanks to generous private gifts, community contributions and employee support. For more information, visit www.WSUTECH.edu/FOUNDATION.
About Goodwill
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Goodwill Industries of Kansas provides opportunities for people with disabilities and barriers to employment seeking independent and productive lives. Hundreds of people with disabilities receive case management services and develop life and job skills through employment at Goodwill’s home office and in the community. Whether it be recycling donated items or preparing insulation for local aviation manufacturers, Goodwill clients and employees have found success and become more independent through work in our contracts division.
In addition, adults work toward their High School Diploma and ESL programs through NexStep Alliance, a partnership between Goodwill and WSU Tech. More than 3,000 individuals receive services through Goodwill each year. These programs are supported by 18 retail stores in Kansas along with an online division at shopgoodwill.com/ks.
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