Submitted
High Plains Farm Credit has donated $50,000 to Fort Hays Tech | North Central’s new Construction Programs Building, a vital addition to the college that will expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in construction technology, electrical technology, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHAC), and commercial driver’s license (CDL). In an impressive show of partnership and support, CoBank has matched this donation with an additional $50,000, bringing the total contribution to $100,000.
This $100,000 boost from High Plains Farm Credit and CoBank will help fund the new state-of-the-art facility, designed to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the construction and technical fields. The nearly 30,000-square-foot building will include updated classrooms, advanced workshop areas, new tools and equipment, and increased capacity to serve more students. By providing expanded training facilities and resources, Fort Hays Tech | NC will be better equipped to meet the needs of students and the industries that rely on them.
“We are incredibly grateful to High Plains Farm Credit and CoBank for their generosity and support of our mission,” said Eric Burks, President of Fort Hays Tech | NC. “This investment not only advances our efforts to provide first-class technical training, but also strengthens the skilled workforce our local economy depends on. With this new facility, we are proud to offer a dedicated space for hands-on learning in trades that are essential to our region and beyond.”
High Plains Farm Credit, a longstanding supporter of workforce education and development, sees this donation as a meaningful way to invest in the local community and provide students with more robust training opportunities in high-demand fields.
“High Plains Farm Credit is committed to investing in the future of our community,” said Kevin Swayne, CEO. “By supporting Fort Hays Tech | NC’s Construction Programs Building, we are helping to ensure that students have access to quality education that will prepare them for successful careers in fields that are critically needed in our community.”
CoBank, a cooperative bank serving rural America, also saw the opportunity to make a lasting impact by supporting Fort Hays Tech | NC’s mission to create a skilled workforce through high-quality technical education. “CoBank is honored to support Fort Hays Tech | North Central’s new Construction Programs Building alongside High Plains Farm Credit,” said Travis Ball, Vice President-Farm Credit Banking Group. “This facility represents a tremendous investment in the future of our communities by providing essential training for the skilled trades that drive local economies.”
Construction on the new building is ongoing with completion targeted for Fall 2025.