Seward County Community College receiving federal funds

Wil Day
·2 min read
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LIBERAL, Kan. (KSNW) – Seward County Community College is receiving $1.2 million in new federal funding.

The funding comes from the Department of Labor as part of a line item in the labor, health, and human services bill sponsored by Sen. Jerry Moran. The funds are earmarked for the school’s expanding truck driving program.

Demand for the SCCC CDL program has increased for several years, leading to a waitlist. In 2021, the college received a $1.81 million grant from the state to expand its CDL and Diesel Technician programs.

“We’re excited about the impact this program can have in our community and everywhere truck drivers are needed,” said SCCC President Brad Bennett in a news release. “Sen. Moran’s support for our vision underscores the way this can change the game for individuals, business and industry, and communities in our service area.”

In January, SCCC received a $335,625 match grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Kansas Innovative Technology Program. In late 2023, the community college purchased a 42,000-square-foot existing building and 12 acres of land north of Liberal High School.

“This facility creates more opportunities for the college,” said Bennett. “The building will be used for the two programs that are the focus of state and federal funding. In addition, space will be dedicated for a partnership with USD 480 to provide access to technical education.”

The truck driving program is just part of a larger expansion effort. SCCC has recently added men’s and women’s soccer, along with eSports teams, and expanded their agriculture programs, and in May of 2023, the Board of Trustees authorized the purchase of land and a former church building adjacent to the school’s campus.

Once work is completed on expanding the truck driving program’s facilities, SCCC anticipates it will triple the number of graduates of its CDL program.

“We’re so grateful for Sen. Moran’s support and his connection to our college and the people in Southwest Kansas,” said Bennett.

For more information about Seward Community College, visit their website.

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