Patterson Family Foundation Awards $750,000 Grant to Support app | North Central’s New Construction Programs Building
app, KS – 11/25/2024 — app | North Central is excited to announce a $750,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to support the college’s new Construction Programs Building, an initiative aimed at expanding access to skilled trades education. This significant contribution will help equip the facility with essential machinery, advanced tools, equipment, classroom resources, and the latest technology to support programs in Construction Technology, Electrical Technology, Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning (PHAC), and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training.
The nearly 30,000-square-foot building will increase capacity for students entering the construction and technical trades, fields that are in high demand both locally and nationally. By supporting the addition of state-of-the-art tools and technologies, the grant will ensure that students graduate with job-ready skills necessary to excel in these critical industries.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Patterson Family Foundation for this remarkable investment in our college and community,” said Eric Burks, President of app | North Central. “This grant provides an invaluable resource for expanding our hands-on learning opportunities, allowing us to offer first-class technical education that meets the needs of today’s employers. With the addition of the new Construction Programs Building, we can support students on their path to rewarding, essential careers that bolster our economy and infrastructure.”
The Patterson Family Foundation, known for its commitment to educational access and community development, has a longstanding mission of working together to help rural communities thrive. Their partnership with app | NC underscores their dedication to fostering career-ready skills among students in rural and underserved areas.
“One of our goals at the Patterson Family Foundation is to empower rural communities and open pathways to impactful careers,” said Adam Erickson, Program Officer. “By collaborating with app | NC on this new facility, we are investing in a workforce that will sustain and grow the region’s economy, and we are honored to support the students who are shaping the future of these vital industries.”
The new facility, under construction will be completed in Fall 2025, will serve as a comprehensive training ground for students in construction and related fields, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to excel. The building’s classrooms and workshops will feature cutting-edge technology and industry-standard equipment, ensuring that app | NC graduates enter the workforce prepared to meet the demands of their chosen fields.
For more information on app | NC’s new Construction Programs Building, or to donate, please visit fhtechnc.edu or contact Director of Advancement, Mendi Anschutz at manschutz@fhtechnc.edu.