Many schools across Kansas face challenges connecting with their communities due to scheduling conflicts, transportation barriers, cultural differences, and budget concerns, according to the education website Teachers Institute. However, Hays High is working to create opportunities for students by partnering with Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and Fort Hays Technical College North Central. Through these partnerships, students can access concurrent credit programs and hands-on learning experiences, helping them engage directly with the community and prepare for post-secondary education.
“Having partnerships with Fort Hays Tech North Central is important because it gives our students an early start to post-secondary experience, especially in the fields of career and technical education,” assistant principal Becky Hickert said. “Most of the partnerships we have involve credentials or certifications that prepare our students for the workforce at an early age.”
Hays High students can explore hands-on learning through Fort Hays Tech, including automotive technology for car repair and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, pre-medical programs for clinical experience and health-care certifications, and culinary arts for cooking, baking, and food-service skills with a second-year internship. Each of these programs gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while exploring potential career paths.
Automotive:
Automotive technology at Fort Hays Technical College North Central allows juniors and seniors to spend half of their school day gaining hands-on experience in vehicle repair and maintenance while earning college credit. The two-year program prepares students for ASE certification in areas such as brakes, electrical systems, engines, transmissions, and air conditioning, combining classroom instruction with shop-based learning.
“Something I’ve learned in this program versus a regular classroom is how hands-on the tech is. We actually get to perform repairs the same day we learn them, and our instructors are very informative and helpful,” junior automotive student Grayson Leeder said. “After high school, I plan on enlisting in the Marine Corps and using my ASE certification from Fort Hays Tech to work on cars.”
Pre-Medical:
The pre-medical pathway introduces sophomores, juniors, and seniors to health care careers through programs such as Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and pharmacy technician. Students gain experience in patient care, medication administration, and pharmacy operations through classroom learning, labs, clinicals, and externships, while also earning certifications that prepare them for entry-level health care positions.
Culinary:
Culinary arts provide juniors and seniors with hands-on training in cooking, baking, food safety, and hospitality skills. Students learn techniques such as knife skills, menu planning, food preparation, and cost control, while also earning certifications like ServSafe. The program continues into a second year that includes advanced cooking techniques and an internship in the local food industry.
Through partnerships with Fort Hays Technical College North Central and programs such as Career-X, which allows students to explore job shadowing and career-focused experiences, Hays High students are gaining hands-on experience and college credit while preparing for future careers. The programs connect classroom learning to real-world skills and strengthen ties between the school and the Hays community.
“For students going straight into the workforce after high school, these certifications and licenses can help them get higher-paying jobs instead of minimum wage,” counselor Amy Miller said. “It’s a win-win for the community because there are many job shortages, especially in areas like CNAs and pharmacy techs. It benefits both students and the community.”
