Hays, KS – Fort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce a transformative $1M investment from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in support of the college’s new Construction Innovation Center, scheduled to open in Spring 2026. This generous contribution will help fund the construction of the nearly 30,000-square-foot facility, designed to expand access to high-demand career training in construction technology, electrical technology, plumbing/heating/AC, and commercial driving (CDL).

“This extraordinary gift from the Hansen Foundation demonstrates their deep commitment to strengthening technical education and workforce development in North Central Kansas,” said Eric Burks, President at Fort Hays Tech | North Central. “Their support accelerates our ability to train more students to meet the critical demand for skilled workers in our region and help address the need for more housing.”

The Construction Innovation Center will include three industry-grade workshops/labs, interactive classrooms, and technology-enhanced training environments that mirror real-world job sites. The facility will allow Fort Hays Tech | North Central to double enrollment capacity in these construction-related programs.

This investment represents a major milestone in the capital campaign for the Construction Innovation Center. The project has also received strong support from industry partners, local businesses and other regional foundations.

For more information about the Construction Innovation Center or to contribute to the campaign, please visit fhtechnc.edu or contact Mendi Anschutz, Director of Advancement at 785.738.9090.