The Washburn Institute of Technology (colloquially known as WU Tech) is an American institute of technology located in Topeka, Kansas. It houses a variety of programs including nursing, auto technology and culinary arts. It is administered under Washburn University.
History
Background
Technical education in Northeast Kansas began during World War II when the Topeka High School established the Topeka Trade School in 1941. In addition to machine shop and auto mechanics courses, the school eventually provided wartime and civil-service training for Topeka Army Air Field personnel as well as pre-induction training for students bound for military service.
Establishment and administration
Kansas lawmakers passed legislation in 1964 creating the Northeast Kansas Vocational Technical School. It became the Kaw Area Vocational Technical School in 1967 and opened the doors of its current facility in 1968. In 1992, the school became the Kaw Area Technical School.
In 2008, the management of the institute shifted from Topeka Unified School District 501 Board of Education to Washburn University and its Board of Regents. Operating as the Washburn Institute of Technology, it is the managing partner of a consortium of 17 member school districts and serves as a national model for the rare partnership of technical education and traditional university.
See also
- Education in Kansas
- List of colleges and universities in Kansas
References
External links
- washburntech
.edu, the institute's official website
