Garden City Community College (GCCC) has been awarded a $420,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to support the construction of its new Construction and Electrical Technology Center, a state-of-the-art facility that will expand workforce training in southwest Kansas.
The new facility, estimated at $2.4 million, will provide nearly 6,000 square feet of modern instructional and hands-on training space, equipping students with industry-relevant skills in carpentry, roofing, electrical technology, and more.
With the addition of this grant, GCCC has raised $1.9 million toward its goal, representing over 79% of total project funding.
“This investment from the Patterson Family Foundation marks a major step forward in addressing the critical workforce shortages our region faces,” said Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College. “By expanding our training capacity, we can prepare more students for high-demand, high-wage careers in construction and the skilled trades, strengthening the economic vitality of southwest Kansas.”
Construction-related jobs are projected to grow by 12% in Southwest Kansas over the next decade, outpacing many rural regions. Locally, the demand is especially acute, with Finney County estimating a need for over 4,000 new housing units by 2030 to support economic development.
GCCC’s expanded program will directly respond to these workforce needs by serving high school dual credit students, traditional college students, and adult learners seeking retraining opportunities.
The Construction and Electrical Technology Center will house GCCC’s new Electrical Technology program alongside the recently expanded Construction Technology program, now offering Certificates A, B, C, and an Associate in Applied Science degree. Both programs provide students with stackable, industry-aligned credentials, creating clear pathways to high-demand careers in the trades.
Scott Kedrowski, Dean of Advancement & Alumni Relations at GCCC, emphasized the importance of philanthropic partnerships in making this project possible.
“We are deeply grateful to the Patterson Family Foundation for their commitment to rural communities,” he said. “Their generosity brings us closer to making the Construction and Electrical Technology Center a reality for our students and our region.”
Ruth Dickson, Director of Communications for the Patterson Family Foundation, added, “We are proud to support GCCC’s vision for a modern Construction and Electrical Technology Center. This project directly addresses workforce needs in Southwest Kansas and empowers students with the skills and certifications they need for rewarding careers.”
With construction anticipated to begin in 2026, GCCC continues to seek additional support to close the remaining funding gap. Naming opportunities and community partnerships remain available as the college advances toward its $2.4 million goal.
For more information on supporting the Construction and Electrical Technology Center, contact Scott Kedrowski at scott.kedrowski@gcccks.edu or 620-276-9572.
Patterson Family Foundation
The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. Learn more at: www.pattersonfamilyfoundation.org.
