WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – WSU Tech is working to help laid-off aviation workers in Wichita.

On Friday, the college announced an opportunity for those affected to receive a tuition-free Wichita Promise Scholarship.

“It is a tough time, but I promise you, this community is behind every single one of these 2,800 plus people. So, let us help you and let us celebrate together when we get through the end of this storm,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, WSU Tech President.

The scholarship will pay tuition and fees for eligible classes and programs aimed at either helping people learn a new skill, add on to their existing skillset or finish their associate degree.

“We’ve built these training opportunities with the laid-off worker in mind with short-term, half-day classes so people can upskill, re-skill or finish their degree,” said Dr. Utash.

Some of the workers who were laid-off include WSU Tech graduates like Robert Tallie. Tallie moved to Wichita from Mississippi to attend WSU Tech. He was laid off by Spirit AeroSystems last month and plans to take advantage of the training opportunities.

“I wasn’t sure what my future looked like,” said Tallie. “These times are scary because you don’t know what’s ahead. When you go through hard times, you know how rough it is trying to get back on your feet and they made this process really easy.”

WSU Tech says they have classes starting as early as March with most reskill classes completed in six to eight weeks. The classes can go toward an AAS degree.

“As our community recovers, we want to make sure that they know they can stay right there in Wichita,” said Mayor Brandon Whipple.

Those interested may contact WSU Tech or email upskill@wsutech.edu to set up a time to speak with an advisor.

More information on the scholarship offer and short-term upskill classes can be found by clicking here.

Access to all free resources and updated information available now at Air Capital Commitment.

Four Workforce Centers – connect to open jobs, multiple job fairs, job search support

2-1-1 United Way – encouraged to call to connect to more than 1,050 programs in the region

Training and Education – options for short- and longer-term training and education

Unemployment Resources – information about unemployment insurance

Healthcare – information on COBRA and connections to neutral “assisters” for Marketplace

This is a student who moved to Wichita to attend @wsutech as part of the Wichita Promise Scholarship Program with his family.



He was recently laid off by @SpiritAero.



The layoffs are affecting MANY people in our community.



He says, “Things will turn out for the best.” @KSNNews pic.twitter.com/UB1BJCSNYu — Krystle Sherrell (@KrystleKSN) February 7, 2020

HAPPENING NOW: An announcement from Air Capital Commitment is happening now at @wsutech!



This will be about training for laid-off aviation workers. @KSNNews pic.twitter.com/CmEyHptqjN — Krystle Sherrell (@KrystleKSN) February 7, 2020

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