News

Northwest Tech Earns 2023-2024 Military Friendly^® School Designation

GOODLAND, KS (August 3, 2023)—Northwest Tech announced today that it has earned the 2023-2024 Military Friendly^® School designation.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly^® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2023-2024 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard.

The 2023-2024 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly^® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“We strive to be the best at whatever we do, and while we are thrilled with the Silver-Level, we know the steps we need to take to become a Gold-Level college” said Schears. “We will be working this year to improve our processes and continue our efforts to become one of the top-rated military friendly colleges in the nation.”

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.” - Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®.

For more information about Northwest Tech’s student veteran programs, visit Northwest Tech’s website at www.nwktc.edu/students/militaryveterans.

About Military Friendly^® Schools:

The Military Friendly^® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate.

Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

About Northwest Tech:

The mission of Northwest Kansas Technical College, as an institution of higher learning, is to prepare individuals for gainful employment in technical and professional careers, productive personal lives, and lifelong learning.

About Viqtory:

Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

For further information or to arrange interviews, contact:

Northwest Kansas Technical College

Jordan Edwards
Marketing & Graphic Design Coordinator
Jordan.edwards@nwktc.edu 
785-890-1541

Military Friendly^® Schools:
Kayla Lopez
Senior Director of Military Partnerships
For press inquiries visit: www.militaryfriendly.com/support

Jason Cook graduated from Northwest Tech in '97 and began his career at Central Power Systems and Services. In 2013, he transitioned to teaching Diesel Technology at Northwest Kansas Technical College. He has a BS in Technical Education. Jason is happily married and has three sons.

Joseph Dobbs has spent 20+ in the construction field and recently transitioned to an instructor position. The construction field is his passion and he finds satisfaction in completing jobs for families and business owners. Teaching has become another passion of his and he loves passing on his skills and knowledge to the next generation. Joseph is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in CTE, is a Licensed Building Contractor, and holds certifications including Forklift operator, OSHA 10 certified, and NCCER Instructor certified.

Learn more about our Carpentry Program

Gia Brachtenbach is the Computer Graphics Technology instructor. She hopes to inspire and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to thrive in the creative industry. Through a diverse range of creative disciplines, including graphic design, photography, web design, animation, and videography, students will explore their interests and develop their creative talents. Her ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset to pursue their passions, whether it be launching their own business ventures or thriving in a design-oriented workplace. She has a bachelor's Degree of Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design, 10+ years in the creative industry, and Design and technician experience!

Learn more about our Computer Graphics Technology Program

The Respiratory Care program at Northwest Tech is designed to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). The curriculum is directly related to career standards and employment opportunities. Instruction includes both lab and classroom situations with an emphasis on clinical components.

Learn more about the Respiratory Care Program