Washburn Institute of Technology
(formerly Kaw Area Technical School)
January 29, 2010
Did you know that 65% of the job opportunities available today do not require a college degree, but do require some kind of technical training? If you are a high school student 16 years of age, you might consider Washburn Institute of Technology. Washburn Tech is a great opportunity for students seeking training in the service and technical job skill areas. Students experience practical applications and learn through classroom academics and hands on training.
Washburn Tech is located at 5724 SW Huntoon in Topeka and serves high school students from 18 school districts in the Northeast region of the state. Post-secondary students also attend Washburn Tech in the day and evening programs. Programs offered include: Automotive Technology, Building Mechanics, Business Administrative Technology, Cabinet Millwork, Child Care, Civil Technology, Collision Repair, Commercial Electricity, Commercial Construction, Computer Technology, Cooperative Occupational Training, Diesel Mechanics, Electronic Technology, Food Service, Graphics/Printing Technology, Heating/Air Conditioning, Horticulture, Industrial Maintenance, Machine Shop, Nursing, Office Technology, Photo Technology, Technical Drafting, Heavy Machine Operation, Warehousing/Sales, and Welding.
To be accepted as a student, each individual enrolling must be 16 years of age, have junior standing or above, have a vocational/technical objective, meet entrance test criteria, and have good recommendations from their high school. High school students will attend three hours a day during the morning session, while receiving four elective credits per year from JCN. Sophomores should start the enrollment process at the beginning of the second semester. Current juniors and seniors may enroll either semester in all but three programs.
High school students DO NOT pay tuition while enrolled in high school but are responsible for a $20.00 enrollment fee, books, supplies, uniforms, and tools. Students must maintain a semester grade of "C" in their program area in order to remain at Washburn Tech and continue into the next semester of training. Students must be in attendance 90% of their total clock hour program to receive a diploma of training. At the present time, 18 Washburn Tech programs will articulate or count as college hour credit toward a two year Associates Degree from Washburn University, Highland Community College, Allen County Community College, or Kansas City Community College.
Current Jefferson County North High School students attending KATS are:
- Lincoln Kingman Business Technology
- Lucas Page Cabinetry/Millwork
- Jonathan Schmidt Cabinetry/Millwork
- Justin Kaufman Commercial Construction
- Dakota Weishaar Commercial Construction
- Damien Helton Electronics Technology
Doug Durow, Washburn Tech counselor, visits our high school on a monthly basis and can answer questions you may have about Washburn Tech program areas and enrollment processes. If you are interested and would like to receive written information about Washburn Tech or personally visit with Mr. Durow, see Mr. McFarland. Mr. Durow may also be reached by calling Washburn Tech at (785) 228-6326.
