Hutchinson Community College has been awarded a $708,965 FRAME (Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education) Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce. The funding will support the construction of three new residential dwellings in Hutchinson, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students while addressing the community’s affordable housing needs.

As part of the project, students in HutchCC’s and USD308’s Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy’s Construction Technology program will build a duplex in the 600 block of East Avenue A, gaining real-world experience in residential construction from foundation to finish. In addition, the college is partnering with Interfaith Housing and Community Services to construct a single-family, stand-alone home on 10th Avenue. Interfaith will employ Youth Apprentices associated with the Construction Technology program in the building of this home.

“These projects represent a win-win for our community,” said Dr. Tricia Paramore, President of Hutchinson Community College. “Our students are developing marketable, in-demand skills while contributing directly to Hutchinson’s housing development and revitalization efforts.”

The FRAME program is a statewide initiative designed to increase the supply of affordable housing across Kansas by fostering partnerships between educational institutions, nonprofit housing providers, and local communities. Other partners collaborating on this project are the City of Hutchinson, the Hutchinson Land Bank, the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Joel Haag from Mann and Company Architects, Interfaith Housing, GAF Roofing, in addition to several local contractors.

“We’re proud to support Hutchinson Community College and its partners through the FRAME program,” said Kerri Falletti, Grassroots Strategy Developer at the Kansas Department of Commerce. “This grant not only helps build homes — it builds futures by equipping students with critical construction skills while strengthening communities across Kansas.”

Construction is expected to begin this fall, with completion slated for 2026.

Hutchinson Community College Cosmetology and Barbering will be hosting its annual Back to School Haircut Day on Monday, August 4 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the school’s center at 200 E. 3rd Ave., Hutchinson.

Children in pre-k through grade 12 are eligible for a free haircut to be performed by HutchCC cosmetology and barbering students and volunteer cosmetologists and barbers. No appointment is necessary; haircuts will be done on a first come, first served basis.

“This day is a highlight of the year for us and our students,” stated Alex Hass, HutchCC’s Cosmetology Program Coordinator. “We look forward to offering this each year and are excited to help those in our community prepare for the upcoming school year.”

For more information, or if you are a cosmetologist or barber interested in volunteering, contact Alex Hass at 620-669-4575 or email at hassa@hutchcc.edu.

The Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees took action on several items during its July meeting.

Vice President of Workforce Development and Outreach Bryce McFarland shared several recent successes including this summer’s FastTrack industry trainings, boot camps, the CDL training program, which successfully trained over 200 individuals the past year and the College’s Public Health and Safety area trained over 3,000 individuals in CPR/First Aid training. In addition, the College currently has 172 active apprenticeships with 57 employers.

HutchCC President Dr. Tricia Paramore updated the Board on the College’s accreditation process through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC will be conducting a site visit in April 2026 as part of this process.

The next meeting of the board will be on Thursday, August 14.  The meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. in the Shears Technology Center Justice Theater.  The public is invited to attend. Board meeting agendas and meeting information can be found at www.hutchcc.edu/boardmeetings.
 

Hutchinson Community College is excited to announce the launch of a new Industrial Mechanical Maintenance – Certificate A (Cert A) program at its McPherson Outreach Center, beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. This innovative program is designed to equip students with essential foundational skills in manufacturing engineering technology, including electrical/electronic systems, automation, fluid power, and mechanical maintenance.

Ideal for students looking to launch a career in modern manufacturing, the program provides a direct pathway into the Automation Engineer Technology – AAS degree. Graduates will be prepared to support engineers and other professionals in calibrating, modifying, and maintaining automated systems, including those used in robotics and advanced manufacturing.

Tuition is set at $131 per credit hour, with FREE tuition available to high school students through the Excel in CTE waiver, making it a valuable and accessible opportunity for young learners seeking technical education and career advancement.

Enrollment is now open. Students are encouraged to apply online at www.hutchcc.edu/apply-enroll.