Fort Scott, KS – The Adult Education program at Fort Scott Community College is providing individuals ages 16 and older with the opportunity to advance their education, strengthen essential skills and prepare for future success.

The FSCC Adult Education program helps students prepare to take the GED test and earn the Kansas State High School Diploma issued by the Kansas Board of Regents. In addition to GED preparation, the program offers instruction to improve skills in reading, writing, mathematics and technology.

Beyond academic preparation, the Adult Education program supports learners in several additional areas. Students receive financial literacy education to build practical money-management skills, workforce readiness training that focuses on workplace expectations and soft skills, resume-building assistance to confidently present their experience and strengths, and mock interviews and career coaching to prepare for real employment opportunities. These services help adult learners become more confident, capable and prepared for both higher education and the workforce.

“Many of our students come to the Adult Education program balancing work, family responsibilities and other challenges, but they are determined to improve their lives through education,” said Fatimah Bader, Adult Education instructor at Fort Scott Community College. “Watching students gain confidence, pass their GED tests, and move forward toward careers or college is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.”

Bader said some students even bring their children to class while working toward their goals, demonstrating their dedication to building a better future.

Adult learners can also raise their skill levels to gain employment or pursue advancement in their current careers. Classes are offered year-round to provide flexibility for students balancing work and family responsibilities. A mandatory three-day, in-person orientation is required for all new students. A $35 materials fee is due at orientation. The cost of each GED test is $39 per subject, with four subjects required for a total of $156.

In-person classes are held Monday through Thursday. Online instruction is also available, with times varying.

Classes are held at FSCC Bailey Hall, 2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

For more information or to enroll, contact Fatimah Bader at (620) 644-6126 or (620) 223-2700, ext. 4400, or by email at [email protected].

Fort Scott, KS – The Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Fort Scott Community College has been recognized as a 2025 REACH Chapter through Phi Theta Kappa’s REACH Rewards program.

The REACH Rewards program honors Phi Theta Kappa chapters that demonstrate excellence in membership development and a strong commitment to expanding opportunities for eligible students. The program was created to encourage chapters to grow membership and ensure more students benefit from the organization’s mission of recognition and opportunity.

Through REACH, Phi Theta Kappa emphasizes the importance of providing students with access to scholarships, leadership development, and meaningful engagement with peers and faculty; all of which contribute to higher rates of student success and completion.

As a 2025 REACH Chapter, the FSCC Main Campus chapter will receive official Phi Theta Kappa graduation stoles. The stoles will be sent directly to the chapter’s advisor and may be distributed to chapter officers or members to wear during commencement ceremonies and keep as a symbol of their academic achievement and college completion milestone.

This recognition highlights the dedication of FSCC’s Phi Theta Kappa members and advisors in advancing the organization’s mission and enhancing the overall college experience for students.

Fort Scott Community College congratulates its Phi Theta Kappa chapter on this achievement and thanks its members and advisors for their continued commitment to student success and academic excellence.

Fort Scott, KS – The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees met February 16 to review program updates, approve key initiatives, and outline next steps for institutional growth and workforce development.

Board members received a comprehensive update on the college’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, which has been reestablished in Bourbon County. The six-week program operates under the federally required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) model and reports strong enrollment momentum, with new cohorts cycling approximately every six weeks.

The program highlighted high job placement outcomes and growing industry demand, citing a significant nationwide truck driver shortage. Trustees discussed pursuing state recertification that would allow the college to administer final CDL exams in-house, creating additional revenue opportunities and streamlining student completion.

The Board formally accepted a warranty deed tied to a $528,000 frame grant that will fund the construction of duplex housing units. The project will support the college’s construction trades program, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in all phases of the build, from foundation to finishing work. Plans call for constructing four total living units, with two completed per year. The strategy includes building one duplex immediately and partially enclosing a second structure to allow for an expedited build in Fall 2026. An RFP for a general contractor was approved to move the project forward.

The Board was introduced to several new coaches across multiple sports programs, including soccer, softball, and track and field. Officials reported roster growth and projected that new and expanding athletic programs could bring an additional 120–130 students to campus. The softball team has already opened its season with a 2-0 record, and the newly established track and field program is rapidly building participation numbers.

During the meeting, trustees approved scholarship proposals as recommended by the scholarship committee, authorized the presentation of an honorary associate degree to Jack Gilmore, accepted the warranty deed for the frame grant site, and approved the contractor RFP for the project.

The meeting also included the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and roll call, with trustees Bailey, Brown, Cosens, Hoyt, McKinnis, and Ropp recorded as present.

The February meeting reflected continued momentum for FSCC in workforce training, athletics expansion, and infrastructure development as the college advances strategic growth initiatives across its campuses.

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