Companies relocating or expanding into the MOKAN region benefit from a robust network of nationally recognized education institutions from across southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas, and northeast Oklahoma.
These colleges, universities, and technical training institutions offer state-of-the-art programs that develop high-demand skills employers need in key industries such as health care, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.
Through a collaborative workforce development network, MOKAN Partnership connects regional employers with education providers. This creates a talent pipeline that supports business and economic growth, innovation, and long-term competitiveness. These partnerships also allow our education partners to align their curriculum with real-world workforce requirements, ensuring that graduates are career-ready and equipped to contribute from day one.
Discover how MOKAN’s education and training partnership can strengthen your workforce strategy and support your business expansion in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Crowder College is a comprehensive community college serving nine counties across southwest Missouri.
With more than 80 programs, Crowder equips students with workforce-ready skills in high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, computer technology, drafting, welding, and more.
Their Training & Development Solutions division also offers non-credit training for businesses and industries across the region. By customizing each training to align with companies’ specific needs, Crowder strengthens each participating organization’s workforce by equipping them with the skills they need to gain a competitive edge.
A leading four-year university, Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) offers certificates and associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in more than 140 different programs. Majors span from arts and language to law enforcement, logistics, international business, and more.
The new state-of-the-art Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center and MSSU’s comprehensive health care programs are helping fill a critical workforce need in one of our largest industries, producing career-ready graduates to support the MOKAN region’s health sector.
Pittsburg State University (PSU) provides hands-on, interactive education through four distinct colleges, offering undergraduate and graduate programs. PSU ranks among the top institutions in the Midwest and nation for its award-winning technology and business programs.
With premier facilities and state-of-the-art technology, students gain real-world experience in high-demand fields including automotive technology, construction management, engineering technology, and nursing, preparing them to enter the workforce fully equipped for success.
Kansas City University’s (KCU) Joplin campus is a fully accredited, private, not-for-profit university and Missouri’s first new medical school in 50 years. KCU focuses on the health care needs of urban and rural populations, offering programs in osteopathic medicine, clinical psychology, biomedical sciences, and dental medicine.
Through fellowships and other training opportunities, KCU is developing the next generation of physicians and dentists who are committed to serving the MOKAN region, helping retain critical health care talent locally.