10-04-2025
Franklin Tech and PSU launch tuition-free pathway for vo-tech students
JOPLIN, Mo. — A new partnership is stretching from Kansas to Missouri, giving the chance for a free education for vo-tech students.
It's a free education for students who want to help build the future.
'Just a tremendous opportunity for some young people that maybe college and a technology degree would have never been possible,' said David Weaver, Joplin Schools School Board member.
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Leaders of Franklin Technology Center and Pittsburg State University signed an agreement to help students at FTC go to PSU tuition-free.
Up to 10 students a year will qualify for the new 'Crossland College of Technology Enterprise Program.' That will cover the cost of tuition and fees for up to four years.
PSU VP Dr. Karl Stumo is excited about the partnership that crosses state lines.
'We know of the excellence here at Franklin Tech, and we wanted to be a partner with one of the best providers of technical education in the area. So their students are so special, we wanted to develop an equal special relationship here as well,' said Dr. Karl Stumo, PSU VP Student Affairs.
He hopes to see more of those students graduating and staying.
'I think this is a strategy to keep our graduates in the technology and that economic sector in the Four-State region,' said Stumo.
'Hopefully this will help us to grow the enrollment at Franklin Tech and provide more opportunities, and then maybe these partnerships that make us eligible for grants so we're just excited about the possibilities. But it's kind of opening doors. In the past that wouldn't have been possible for our students and that's a win for everyone,' said Weaver.
Students enrolled at FTC next fall will be the first to qualify for the scholarships, which include those pursuing everything from automated manufacturing and auto tech to engineering and HVAC.
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