When companies in the region talk about us, they’ll tell you that one of our most important assets is a remarkably motivated and well-skilled workforce. Within 60 miles of our seven-county region boasts a population of more than 400,000 working age residents.
We’re constantly connecting with our educational partners to ensure that employers have a steady supply of high-quality, trained employees. The region is served by a variety of higher education institutions that are focused on everything from vocational training to postgraduate options. We have a strong network of vo-techs, technology centers, and community colleges that provide programs in areas that are in high demand by employers. And even though our region crosses state lines, local workers can take advantage of in-state tuition thanks to reciprocal agreements.
Located in the innovative, self-made city of Pittsburg, Kansas, Pittsburg State University (PSU) features premier facilities for hands-on technology and business education, athletics, and the arts. By providing interactive, engaging courses throughout four distinct colleges, Pitt State transforms the lives of its students, community, and the entire southeast Kansas region.
With undergraduate and graduate options, PSU ranks among the best in the Midwest and nation with award-winning technology and business programs. Students can choose from a variety of programs, including automotive technology, computer information systems, construction management, electrical technology, engineering technology, finance, international business, nursing, and more.
Kansas City University (KCU) is a fully accredited, private, not-for-profit university strategically located on two Missouri campuses — in Kansas City and Joplin — to address the health needs of both urban and rural populations. KCU’s Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Biosciences, and Dental Medicine offer graduate degree programs in osteopathic medicine, clinical psychology, biomedical sciences, and dental medicine, as well as multiple dual-degree, fellowship, and research opportunities.
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is a state-supported, comprehensive university with a strong commitment to international education, liberal arts, professional and pre-professional programs, as well as the complementary relationship that must exist among these elements.
Powered by valuing the art of learning, the exploration of interdisciplinary fields, and the discovery of students’ passions, they offer more than 140 degree programs. With associate’s, bachelor’s, and master degree options, as well a variety of certification programs, MSSU is dedicated to teaching essential skills, expanding horizons, and cultivating a passion for students’ areas of academic interest.
Crowder College is a comprehensive community college that serves a nine-county service region across southwest Missouri. With more than 80 programs, Crowder offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees as well as certificates for traditional and non-traditional students. Available programs include agriculture, computer science, graphic design, pre-engineering, pre-medicine, nursing, and much more.
Training at the Joplin Advanced Training and Technology Center (ATTC) is geared to get students into the workforce after completing one or two semester programs in advanced manufacturing, computer information technology, drafting, and welding.
