![The sophomores were recognized on the field instead of walking across the stage during their doubleheader. They received their diplomas and a picture of themselves playing during their career at Seward. [Pictured left to right are Dylan Day, Reed Thomas, Jase Schneider, Mason Martinez, Gannon Hardin, Brody Boisvert, and Zach Walker]](https://crusadernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WEBDSC_0275-900x454.jpg)
![Marcos Montoya takes a break from working on his personal health from working at the gym. He says “That’s [the gym] my second home, basically. I’m there more than I am at my own house.”](https://crusadernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/web1UpCloseMarcos1-1200x800.jpg)
High school students are now able to take courses at Seward County Community College/ Area Technical with no cost, due to Kansas Senate Bill 155.
Classes in agriculture, allied health, computer information systems and vocational education are available for students to take tuition free.|
Kansas SB 155 was signed into to law early last summer in order to prepare high school students for the work force. High students can attended a college and earn a certificate or education that would allow them to get a job right out of school.
“Getting a certificate allows students to have something to fall back on later on in their college career,” said Director of Outreach Sherry Farrell.
Currently only Liberal High School seniors are enrolled at SCCC/ATS through the senate bill. High school students who are currently enrolled in the courses must have been pre-approved for enrollment by the high school’s counselors and have their own means of transportation.
Courses such as medical terminology, greenhouse operations, introduction to web design and vocational welding are offered to high students. High schools receive $1,000 per student that graduates with credentials or through a certification program, according to Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s office.
The classes currently offered under SB 155 do not require high school students to take any placement test or ACT test requirements. Credit hours earned by the students are treated like ordinary college credit hours.
“This the first semester the college is doing anything like this,” Farrell said. “We’re going to be working out the bugs and making sure the program runs effectively.”
Class sizes are limited, but students can take different classes throughout the semester due to the length and time schedules classes. Most of the classes take place Monday through Friday during 8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.
Under the law, students do not have to pay tuition since it is paid by the state, and the high school is providing the books required for their courses. Although the high school students under SB 155 are taking courses on campus, they do not have access to Wellness Center facilities or events like on-campus or concurrent students do.
