When research from the Visioneering Wichita process revealed that each young adult who leaves the Wichita area costs $300,000 in lost investment, Chamber staff realized the pressing need to immediately enter the fierce, global competition for young professionals in our community. Young Professionals of Wichita (YPW) was launched in June 2005, with a vision of making Wichita the Heartland's destination for young intellectual capital. With membership of nearly 2,000 and growing, this organization is comprised of bright, energetic "YPs" who promise to be extremely instrumental in the growth of Wichita over the coming years.
 

YPW is a membership-based organization geared towards Wichitans between 21 and 39. "YPs" are ambitious, educated, and wired; those ready to work hard, play hard, and make a difference in their community. 

The number one aspiration is brain gain for Wichita by:

• Creating professional and social diversity
• Building community pride
• Increasing the quality of life for young professionals
• Growing the next generation of leaders
• Establishing a collective voice for yps

Thanks to the programs offered by Wichita's colleges and universities, it couldn't be easier to acquire an additional academic degree, keep up with current business trends or explore a new career path. You don't even have to enroll as a full-time student to take advantage of Wichita's knowledgeable faculty, extensive libraries and research tools.

Colleges, Universities and Technical Training

Baker University
As Kansas' oldest university, Baker University provides prestigious undergraduate and graduate degree programs for career-minded adults in Wichita, Kansas City and Topeka. Baker University's School of Professional and Graduate Studies offers accelerated, interactive and rewarding next generation practical education.

Bethel College
Offering a wide range of degree programs, including accounting, business & economics, computer science and nursing, Bethel College is a private Christian-oriented four-year liberal arts institution.

Butler Community College
As a leader of adult and technical education in Wichita, Butler Community College offers courses in training, retraining and performance improvement for area business owners and employees.

Cowley College & Area Vocational-Technical School
Cowley County College is both a community college with transfer programs and a vocational/technical school offering two-year job-ready programs. This cutting edge institution has built a reputation throughout the country as a leader in innovation and quality, working hard to provide students with an education that will prepare them for the workforce.

Friends University
With programs designed for both college-age students and busy adults wanting to complete college degrees, Friends University has something for everyone. Each degree program has been designed to create the maximum interactivity between students and faculty and is taught in an accelerated format, incorporating the latest knowledge in the field. Night and weekend courses are available.

Hesston College
As a private two-year institution, Hesston College offers degrees in Bible, aviation, pastoral ministries, business and more.

Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson Community College/Area Vocational School is focused on being the premier, two-year educational institution in Kansas, delivering accessible opportunities for learning, growth and improved quality of life for students.

Newman University
Newman University is a private, Catholic liberal arts college with more than 40 undergraduate and four graduate programs. Featuring small classes with personalized instruction, Newman University meets the needs of traditional freshmen, as well as returning adults who take advantage of convenient evening and Saturday class formats.

Southwestern College
Southwestern College offers a wide array of certificates, bachelor's degree-completion programs and master's degrees at three convenient locations in Wichita (East, West, McConnell AFB) and online for anywhere...anytime learning. Designed for busy professionals, most classes are six weeks to maximize learning while minimizing impact on family, work and community activities. Southwestern College has been serving the educational needs of Kansans since 1885 with its main campus in Winfield, Ks (just 40 miles from Wichita).

Tabor College - Wichita
Founded in 1908, Tabor College is a private, liberal arts college offering a Christ-centered education, with four baccalaureate degrees and one graduate degree. Classes are in adult format and taught in the evenings by instructors active in the field of study.

University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita
Recently ranked as the No.5 community health graduate program in the nation by U.S. News. Kansas University School of Medicine - Wichita offers online courses, in-state tuition for all 36-credit hour generalist degree programs and thesis and practicum options.

University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix Wichita Campus offers bachelor and graduate degrees in business administration, business management, information technology and technology management and a graduate degree in health administration. By combining the face to face interaction of a classroom with the online convenience of the Internet this university offers an ideal program for busy professionals.

Vatterott College
Featuring hands-on training with expert instructors, Vatterott College offers an innovative, focused education with a variety of programs including Information Technology, Court Reporting, Culinary Arts, General Business, Welding, Electrical, Computer Office Technology and Medical Technology.

Webster University
Webster University, located on McConnell AFB, is a private, nonprofit, accredited University that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in many fields including business, computer science, psychology, communications, international relations, science, education, fine and performing arts, and liberal arts.

Wichita Area Technical College
Wichita Area Technical College gives students opportunities including certificates of completion, technical certificates, associates of applied science (AAS) degrees and apprenticeship programs. Students may also choose to focus on specific technical skills instead of registering for a complete program.

Wichita State University
Committed to fulfilling the individual needs of each of its 15,000 students, Wichita State University offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs in more than 200 areas of study in six undergraduate colleges. The Graduate School at WSU offers extensive programs in more than 100 areas, including applied mathematics, chemistry, aerospace, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering.

Wichita Technical Institute
Established in 1954 to provide facilities to properly train individuals as qualified electronics technicians, Wichita Technical Institute's curriculum, laboratory instruction and instrumentation have adapted to the evolution of today's technology. The Institute works hand-in-hand with the industry to develop professionalism and technical skills, graduating trained individuals who can fulfill today's needs.
 

Friends University Career Services
Newman University
Wichita State University Cooperative Education & Work-Based Learning
Launch Wichita