Silhouette

Issue date: 8/31/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Jason Rose Jacob Jasnocha, Glen Rose, Texas, student of the John Deere Ag Tech program, works on pulling bearings out of tractor equipment. The Perkins Grant contributed almost $20,000 to the program.

re awarded $189,170 from the federal Carl Perkins grant.

The dollar amount awarded to Kansas community colleges is based on the number of students enrolled in each college's technical programs.

"We work very hard to make sure we identify all students on Pell grants," Judy Crymble, dean of technical education, said. "We also have to track those students to make sure they complete the program and meet their goals."

Funding from the grant will be used to expand and improve training opportunities for students in the various technical programs.

A dynamometer, which is a device for measuring mechanical power, will be purchased for students in the John Deere Ag Tech program. This new machine is going to help the program by working with their tractors.

"The machine is the only way you can test a tractor and load the engine, this will be the only way we can see if the tractor is going to work," Kent Kolbeck, John Deere Ag Tech head instructor, said. "The device for this program was just under $20,000."

Two OTC scopes and two LCD projectors will help students in the automotive technology program to work with current material.

Cosmetology students will have an opportunity now to work with a hydroculator. A hydroculator is a machine that sits on the floor, and heats up water.

"We will be using this machine basically for an aromatherapy project. What it is going to do is soothe the skin, and we will be using it for facials," Mia Horn, cosmetology instructor, said.

Cosmetology students are eager to start using the new materials. "I'm really excited about some of the new equipment that we have received, and I'm ready to get on the floor and start using it," Jenny Ryman, Elkhart, Kan., said.

An LCD projector will be given to the animal and meat science program.

A Life Pack 12 and syringe pump will be purchased for the Emergency Medical Services Technology Program. These items will give the students a better advantage in learning.

Bunker gear and four air packs will be purchased for the Fire Science Program, which will allow them to experience what it is like to be in the gear.

According to Crymble, the Perkins monies are used for technical programs, this includes student assessment, advisement and counseling, as well as increasing program capacity, contextual learning, curriculum, technology and faculty development.

"In order for us to have cutting-edge programs that use current technology and software," Crymble said. "We need to write grants and work with our industry partners."

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