AO-K Program

Accelerating Opportunity: Kansas (AO-K) is transforming the delivery system for adult education in Kansas by using career pathways to deliver career and technical education simultaneously with adult basic skills instruction. What does that mean? Students prepare to earn a General Educational Diploma (GED) while learning technical skills that can lead to a great job - all at minimal cost.

Pick a Pathway

AO-K is offered at several locations including the Huntoon campus, Washburn Tech East at 2014 SE Washington St. and Let's Help at 200 S. Kansas. At the core of the program are career pathway programs through which Adult Education and career/technical education instructors team-teach classes. Supplemental instruction is designed to develop skills which assist students in passing the GED tests while working toward their technical certificate.

25 credit hours

Students build academic skills as well as hands-on skills that prepare them to work in the building industry. Skill areas include framing, finishing, electrical, plumbing, surveying and masonry.

15 credit hours

Students build academic skills and earn certification as a CNA, HHA and CMA for work in the medical field... students also can earn certifications in CPR, First Aid, OSHA and develop a medical vocabulary.

23 credit hours

Students build both academic and hands-on skills including lathing, milling and grinding in preparation to work as a machinist who manufactures parts in a machine shop or manufacturing fabrication facility.

21 credit hours

Students build on academic skills as well as Stick, MIG and TIG welding skills in preparation to work as a fabrication welder.

Adult Education

Washburn Tech also offers an Adult Education program as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Qualifying students may build their academic or English language skills for personal enrichment, for employment, to attend college or as preparation for the GED exam. Students do not have to be co-enrolled in technical education classes to participate in the Adult Education program. The student only pays the $30 student materials fee and the cost of taking each of four pre-tests and four tests to earn the GED. All other adult education services are at no-charge to the individual student.

Orientation

Students who enroll in AO-K or the Adult Basic Education program must complete an orientation session. Students enrolling in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes also must participate in orientation. Sessions are scheduled at various times throughout the year. To learn more, call Washburn Tech East at 785.670.3380.