( KNZA )--Highland Community College has received news from the Kansas Legislature allowing it to provide free technical education to high school juniors and seniors. In an effort to jump start the work force, Kansas's new Career and Technical Education Act allows the College to enroll high school juniors and seniors in technical education programs without charging tuition.

In addition to the free tuition provided for by the new Act, Highland has decided that high school students enrolled in technical programs also will not be charged for fees or books. 

The state of Kansas will reimburse the College for providing technical education to high school students and will reimburse school districts for transporting their students to the HCC Technical Center in Atchison. School districts can also earn $1000 for each student who graduates with an industry-recognized credential in a high need occupation.

Even though details of the new legislation are being announced close to the start of the fall semester, it's not too late for students enroll. Highland wants to offer this opportunity for all students who might be able to benefit from this new Kansas legislation. There are still spaces available this fall in several Highland programs.  They include: Administrative Assistant; Auto Collision Repair; Building Trades; 

Computer Support Technology; Electrical Technology; Engineering Graphics and Technologies; HVAC and Plumbing; and Industrial Welding Technology.

Interested students are encouraged to contact Amy Dulac at the HCC Technical Center at 913.367.6204 or adulac@highlandcc.edu before classes start on Wednesday, August 15.