Wichita State University Campus Of Applied Sciences & Technology

Wichita State University Campus Of Applied Sciences & Technology (WSU TECH) is a state-controlled institution of higher learning based in Wichita, Kansas, that operates as a federal grant recipient and sub-recipient in workforce development and postsecondary education, with no federal contract prime awardee activity. WSU TECH is designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution and competes for federal grants from education, labor, and science agencies rather than through federal contracting vehicles.

WSU TECH's federal footprint centers on grant-funded workforce development and student support services. As a prime recipient, the institution holds active federal grants spanning aviation technician education, student support services, postsecondary innovation, and regional workforce partnership development. Most recent prime grant work includes a $1.711 million National Science Foundation STEM Education award (CFDA 47.076) effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029, to lead a consortium effort strengthening avionics technician education across the nation—developing curriculum modules, digital learning tools, extended reality simulations, recruitment materials, and instructor professional development for high school students, two-year college students, incumbent workers, veterans, rural learners, and military-connected students pursuing associate degrees and industry-recognized credentials in aerospace, defense, commercial aviation, advanced manufacturing, and related sectors. Consortium partners include Calhoun Community College, AIMS Community College, the Center for Aviation and Automotive Technological Education Using Virtual E-Schools at Clemson University, and industry and workforce development partners. Other active prime grants include a $1 million Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education award (CFDA 84.116) for the Kansas Choose Aerospace project (September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2027); a $950,000 FIPSE grant for Student Success Through Basic Needs Support (December 31, 2022, through December 31, 2025); a $399,995 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships award (CFDA 47.084) for the Generating Regional Innovative Partnerships initiative building employer engagement capacity (October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2026); and a $272,364 TRIO Student Support Services grant (CFDA 84.042) from the Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education (September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026).

WSU TECH also holds sub-recipient status on federal education grants, receiving pass-through funding from the Kansas Board of Regents for Perkins career and technical education programs, adult education and literacy services, and integrated English language and civics education. The institution received a sub-award from Wichita State University for advanced air mobility aircraft composite structures maintenance and repair curriculum development and one from Lorain County Community College District for Ohio TechNet Defense Industrial Base STEM work.

Federal customer concentration is heavily weighted toward education and workforce development agencies. The Department of Education Office of Career Technical and Adult Education accounts for 12 awards, and the Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education holds 9 awards, representing 72% of the portfolio by count. The Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education, and Department of Veterans Affairs round out the active customer set. Award activity shows variability year to year—four awards in 2022, three in 2023, eight in 2024, five in 2025, and six in 2026—reflecting the episodic nature of federal grant funding cycles. WSU TECH operates as a sub-recipient on a majority of awards (53%), with prime recipient status on 47% of the federal footprint, concentrating on workforce development, student support, and postsecondary education innovation aligned with regional aerospace and defense sector workforce needs.