Accelerating Opportunity Kansas (AO-K)
Highland Community College is proud to be part of a national initiative called Accelerating
Opportunity (AO-K). The Kansas AO-K program is designed to help adults gain the skills
and credentials needed for high-demand, high-wage careers. With education and credentials
beyond high school, students have better options in today’s economy. Qualifying students
are eligible to attend an approved program tuition free. In addition, HCC offers scholarships
for the related program fees.
AO-K is open to adults at all stages of their educational journey, including:
• Adults and parents returning to school
• Individuals who have not been in school for several years
• Students who are still learning English
• Individuals who do not yet have a high school diploma or GED
If you do not have a high school diploma, you can still begin your pathway to success.
Academic support and GED preparation are available.
Learn More About Adult Education
HCCTC Career Pathways:
The HCC AO-K program offers four career pathways, each offering a combination of hands-on
training, academic support, and career-focused instruction. Students can choose from
a variety of certificate programs with the possibility of working towards an associate
degree.
Below is a list of approved AO-K programs offered at HCC.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (38 Credits) - Technical Center (Atchison)
Credentials
- OSHA 10
- WORKReady
- High School Diploma (GED)
- EPA
- HVAC Excellence
- Certificate B
Welding Technology (35 Credits) - Technical Center (Atchison) & Western Center (Baileyville)
Credentials
- OSHA 10
- WORKReady
- High School Diploma (GED)
- Certificate B
- AWS Qualification
Electrical Technology (53 Credits) - Technical Center (Atchison)
Credentials
- OSHA 10
- WORKReady
- High School Diploma (GED)
- Certificate C or AAS
- Journeyman Exam
Precision Agriculture (34 Credits) - Technical Center (Atchison) and Western Center (Baileyville)
Credentials
- WORKReady
- High School Diploma (GED)
- Certificate B or AAS
- OSHA10
Computer Support Specialist (43 Credits) - Technical Center (Atchison)
Credentials
- WORKReady
- OSHA 10
- CompTIA A+ and NET+
- CISCO (optional)
- High School Diploma (GED)
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) - Technical Center (Atchison); Western Center (Baileyville)
Credentials
- SAPP Certificate
- High School Diploma (GED)
- WORKReady
Certified Medication Aide (CMA) - Technical Center (Atchison); Western Center (Baileyville)
Credentials
- SAPP Certificate
- High School Diploma (GED)
- WORKReady
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Technical Center (Atchison); Western Center (Baileyville)
Credentials
- WORKReady
- High School Diploma (GED)
- EMT-B
- BLS
Medical Assistant (37 Credits) - Technical Center (Atchison); Western Center (Baileyville)
Credentials
- OSHA 10
- WORKReady
- High School Diploma (GED)
- Certificate B
- RMA
Helpful Resources:
- AO-K Proviso and GED Accelerator – tuition is provided for qualifying students attending GED classes and an AO-K Technical Education course.
- TANF Scholarship - tuition for qualifying students approved by Department of Children and Families through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families –Work Program.
- Workforce Services – services based on individual situations and goals for successful program completion.
There may be funding available to help you pay for tuition and other costs related
to attending classes. Please contact the AO-K Coordinator, Mary Johanning at 785-442-6202, to find out more about these opportunities and how to enroll in the
program.