TOPEKA, Kan. – In an event Thursday akin to the pomp and circumstance of the NCAA’s National Signing Day, Washburn Tech and six other Kansas technical institutions celebrated the commitment of thousands of new students to technical education.
The National Technical Letter of Intent Signing Day, which began at Washburn Tech 11 years ago, has become a nationwide initiative, with more than 75 school participating.
“Just like we value athletes who commit to playing a college sport, we recognize you as a prize recruit,” said Washburn President JuliAnn Mazachek in remarks to students at Washburn Institute of Technology.
Kansas schools included Flint Hills Technical College in Emporia, Manhattan Area Technical College, Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, Salina Area Technical College, and WSU Tech in Wichita.
The ceremony underscores the value of vocational training in high-demand fields such as healthcare, culinary arts, and carpentry. The event brought together students, families, educators, industry leaders, and officials, highlighting collective support for the next generation of skilled professionals.
Officials said technical education is important not only for the students securing their futures, but also for the Kansas economy, which will benefit from the influx of trained workers in high-demand fields. Hundreds of career paths exist in industries such as manufacturing, construction, design & technology, health care, hospitality & human services, and transportation.
Students at Washburn Tech planning to study Automotive Technology sign their letter of intent as part of the National Technical Letter of Intent Signing Day.
