The students were the first to complete the first phase of the water technology program, which was created from a new $1.5 million U.S. Department of Labor grant program that is implemented by Fort Scott Community College (FSCC). The outcome of the FSCC grant program is to prepare students for a career in water technology which includes jobs with municipal water and wastewater departments as well as industries that have small water plants to produce their goods and/or service.

These nine students earned seven college credits in Environmental Water Technology in the topic area of Wastewater Plant Operation. The classes apply toward an associate degree in Applied Science in Environmental Water Technology for any student who wishes to further their training through FSCC.

FSCC President Clayton Tatro gave the keynote address of the ceremony, with additional comments provided by KJCC Superintendent, Kyle Rohr, and FSCC Environmental Water Technology instructor, Bob Sample.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Fort Scott Community College and these KJCC students,” said Tatro. “They are the first group of KJCC residents to achieve these college course credits and Environmental Water Technology credential.”

“I’ve been very impressed with the hard work and dedication the students have displayed in the class.” said Sample. “The students have developed valuable skills through classroom work including hands on activities that actually allowed them to perform the operations of a wastewater treatment facility in a controlled setting. I am truly excited about the future of this program, the students, and elevating the professionalism in this profession. ”

Fort Scott Community College will implement this program until December, 2014, and will provide four different Environmental Water Technology credentialing courses: Water Plant Operation, Wastewater Plant Operation, Water Plant Distribution System Operation & Maintenance, and Wastewater Collections System Operation & Maintenance. Each course prepares students to successfully pass a state licensing exam required by each state upon the completion of required on-the-job work experience.

“This is one of the first programs like this in any juvenile correctional facility in the nation,” said KJCC Superintendent Kyle Rohr. “This provides a great opportunity for the youth of our facility, and we are excited for what this partnership with FSCC will become.”