The new partnership creates an affordable, seamless pathway for students pursuing careers in high demand technology fields by bridging technical training and higher education.
For decades, the Franklin Technology Center has provided students with practical skills, hands-on experience, and the confidence needed to move directly into the workforce. Pitt State has likewise built a strong reputation for academic excellence, leadership development, and preparing graduates for long‑term success in their chosen professions, while at the same time providing a pipeline to the workforce.
“This partnership bridges the gap between technical training and higher education, creating a seamless pathway for students,” said Karl Stumo, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. “These scholarships reflect our commitment to investing in students across our region and expanding pathways to their future success.”
The first recipients of the Enterprise Scholarship are:
Hyder Boman, Construction Management
Recognized as highly motivated and detail‑oriented, with numerous milestones achieved throughout his high school career.
Together, these students exemplify what is possible when education, opportunity, and hard work come together, noted Admission Representative Colin Coronado.
"It is a dream come true, and it’s a little surreal,” said Rodriguez, whose family surrounded her for hugs and photos after the signing. “I was inspired to go into Safety Management when someone I know had a serious workplace accident that could have been prevented. I want to make a difference by hopefully preventing someone from experiencing that in the future. This scholarship will make a world of difference to me financially.”
Trento, who will major in Construction Management, said it was hard to put into words how much it means. It will be the start of a dream come true for him, too.
“My family is in construction, which is what inspired me to do it myself, and this is going to help me achieve my goal of being a project manager and will relieve a lot of the financial stress,” he said.
Franklin Technology Center has been part of Joplin High School since 1937, offering a wide range of career and technical education courses to juniors and seniors. Many of those courses closely parallel university offerings in the Crossland College of Technology, including Collision Repair, Welding, and HVAC.
Under the new agreement, up to 10 FTC students each year will be selected to receive full tuition and fees. Scholarships are renewable for two to four years, depending on the student’s chosen program.
Students may enroll in programs within the:
Available programs include Automotive Technology, Plastics Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Interior Design, Safety Management, Technical Teacher Education, Wood Product Manufacturing, Career and Technical Education, Graphic Communications, and Workforce Development.
Learn more about the Crossland College of Technology.
