by Rachel Coleman
LIBERAL, Kan. — Winter Term classes at Seward County Community College wrapped up Jan 5, with a total of 119 students enrolled in the intense, one-month courses.
“We were really pleased to see more than 100 students took advantage of these courses, compared to 87 last year and 45 the year before,” said SCCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Luke Dowell. “We continue to see growth, year over year, and that’s a great sign we are providing what students want and need.”
Dowell noted the Winter Term classes are a unique opportunity that come with a challenge: “Completing this type of class, which essentially compresses a semester’s worth of learning into a four-week time period, means a student is committing to several hours of work e
very day,” he said. “It’s not for everyone, but when a student is motivated and committed to earning those college credits, it can be a real benefit.”
In a similar vein, the college will offer an array of late-start classes during the spring semester.
“Some students have schedules that just don’t allow them to jump in at the very beginning of January, and they can enroll for sessions that start Feb. 9, March 9, and even March 23.” Many of the late-start classes are hybrid or fully online, offering an additional layer of flexibility.
For more information, or to begin the enrollment process, call SCCC Admissions at 620-417-1100, or explore classes at sccc.edu.
Boost creativity with these Business & Industry art classes in January
The Business & Industry division at SCCC offers something for everyone, and that includes the aspiring artists in the community. Two classes in January provide a great start for anyone interested in picking up a paintbrush to express what’s inside:
Watercolor Painting Dip your brush into the world of watercolor in this relaxed, beginner-friendly class! You’ll learn the fundamentals of watercolor painting, including brush techniques, color blending, washes, and how to create simple compositions. No experience? No problem! Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to refresh your skills, this class is designed to help you build confidence while exploring your creative side. All materials are provided — just bring your curiosity and a willingness to play with color. You’ll leave with a completed piece and the know-how to continue painting at home. Fee: $29; 1 session; Dustin Farmer; CRN# 10779; T; Jan. 20; 6– 8PM; Rm. H120
Board & Brush Art Class
Give your kitchen some personality! In this class, you’ll paint and customize a wooden cutting board using easy techniques and a variety of design options. We’ll walk you through every step—from sketch to seal—so you leave with a gorgeous board that’s worthy of showing off (or gifting!). Fee: $35; 1 session; Erica Nordling; CRN# 10821; M; Jan. 26; 7-9pm; Rm. H120
Master Your Money session offered at 6 p.m. Jan. 20
A budget workshop presented by MJ Pittman of Simple Money Academy is open to Seward County Community College students and the public at 6 p.m. Jan. 20, in the Shank Humanities Building Rapid Fit Club/Showcase Theater.
A successful business owner and financial coach, Pittman will provide guidance about how mindset and finances work together in “Master Your Money, Master Your Mind.” Topics include how to set realistic and achievable goals, budgeting strategies for everyday life, and more.
Auditions set for SCCC spring musical, Catch Me if You Can
The Seward County Community College Humanities Division has set audition dates for its spring musical, Catch Me if You Can. Performers can try out for the production at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26 through Jan. 28 (Monday through Wednesday) in the SCCC Rapid Fit Health Club/Showcase Theater.
Director Jamie Francis noted participants should prepare 16 measures of a song to perform and arrive dressed appropriately to dance. SCCC Humanities Chair Dr. Magda Silva will serve as music director of the performance.
The musical Catch Me if You Can follows the real-life adventures of con man Frank Abagnale as he impersonates a pilot, lawyer and doctor and tries to evade capture. A comedy with a Big Band sound, the show is based on a movie released in 2002, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.
For more information about the show and auditions, contact [email protected].
High Plains Heritage Foundation will cover GED fees for students in need
Students who want to complete a GED certificate, issued as the Kansas High School Diploma, will have easier access to cover the testing fees thanks at SCCC. The college’s Adult Education program recently received a $500 grant from the High Plains Heritage Foundation earmarked for testing fees.
GED classes are designed to help students pass the four subject areas on the GED exam – Reasoning through the Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Tests can be taken one at a time, but the fees for all total $156.
“We often work with students experiencing financial hardship, and assistance with GED completion can be a life-changing factor,” said Dr. Katie Reck, director of the SCCC Adult Learning program. “This grant will make real difference for better futures.”
The High Plains Heritage Foundation is a community foundation serving as a repository and distributor of charitable funds serving the communities of the high plains of Southwest Kansas and the Panhandle region. It is organized for the purposes of:
• Assisting individuals and groups exercise programs intended to improve the wellbeing of the regional community.
• Improving cultural and education development for the people in its region.
• Improving the quality of life for the people and communities in its region.
Students, apply for SCCC’s largest scholarship by Feb. 1
Applications for the 2026-27 Presidential Scholarship are open for two more weeks, said the Seward County Community College Office of Financial Aid. The Presidential Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship awarded by SCCC to students in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas who represent the ideals of excellence, scholarship, and leadership. Presidential Scholars will represent SCCC and their hometowns as they engage with community members, interact with civic and business leaders, and participate in a variety of special activities and events designed to support their growth and aspirations as they begin their higher education journey. Students will have the opportunity to engage and develop leadership skills by working with the executive team and President of SCCC.
Recipients of the Presidential Scholarship are awarded a $3200 scholarship per year (fall & spring) for the maximum of two academic years of study; if the Presidential Scholar has a 3.50 or higher GPA, they may have the opportunity of working three hours per week in the Admissions Office as a tour guide for an additional $1600 scholarship for the year. Students will also have the opportunity to move into the dormitories a week prior to other students.
The application process for the Presidential Scholarship includes online components and submission of an official high school transcript. More information is available online at sccc.edu, under the “Admissions and Aid” tab.
To speak with someone in the Financial Aid office, call 620-417-1110, or email [email protected].
Information session with K-State College of Education rep
Students and the public are invited to attend an information session with Kansas State College of Education Representative Andrew Bergmeier at noon Jan. 26 (a Monday) at the SCCC Library in the Hobble Academic Building.
Bergmeier will address the topics of scholarships, campus opportunities, and teacher licensing, and answer questions from those in attendance.