Innovation Center
The Innovation Center is offering fully funded, online training programs to help rural Kansans build job-ready skills for high-demand technology careers-without the burden of tuition or the need to relocate.
Available to high school students and residents in the Innovation Center's 26-county service area, the programs help prepare participants for remote-eligible careers in fields such as Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, IT Support and Project Management. All costs associated with training and certification exams are covered by scholarships, and no prior experience in technology is required.
"These programs have already opened doors for students across our region," said Maria Dahlquist, Technical Program Specialist at the Innovation Center. "We want more people to know this opportunity is available. It's high-impact, flexible, and completely free."
There are two pathways to choose from:
Cybersecurity Training
- Self-paced curriculum (typically 6-10 months or 4-6 semesters for high school students)
- Google Cybersecurity Certification and CompTIA Security+ Exam
- Hands-on training through EnterpriseKC's Heartland Cyber Range (coming soon!)
- 9 ACE-accredited, transferable college credits
- Personalized support and potential for a paid internship
Google Career Certifications
- 100% online, self-paced training (typically 3-6 months or 1-2 semesters for high school students)
- Certifications in fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support, project management, and more
- Most certifications earn 9-15 college credits
- Connects graduates with 150+ hiring employers nationwide
The Innovation Center's goal is to ensure rural Kansans have access to meaningful, future-ready careers-without the barrier of tuition or relocation.
To learn more, fill out the Contact Us form at: www.nwkeici.org/programs/cybersecurity/ or www.nwkeici.org/programs/google/
For additional information, contact: Maria Dahlquist at (785) 324-2266 or [email protected].