Each year, the Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE) branch at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) welcomes the opportunity to share an annual report with the Johnson County community, academic and industry partners, and College supporters. Throughout Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, WDCE served 16,000 individual learners, supported businesses across the Kansas City metro through customized training solutions, and continued to offer innovative programs that met the changing needs of the regional workforce.
Continue reading WDCE’s top 10 standout moments of FY26 or check out the full report at jccc.edu/wdce-report.
Powering the pipeline for healthcare talent
The need for healthcare workers of all kinds is on the rise, and WDCE met the demand. Responding to hiring requirements from the Kansas City metro area, WDCE’s Phlebotomy Technician and ECG Technician programs prepared students to sit for their national certification exams and immediately join the workforce. After relaunching these programs in FY26, the response was staggering! All current courses are filled, with additional opportunities available in future class sessions.
A winning hand: Mah Jongg takes off
In December 2025, WDCE added Introductory Mah Jongg to its course offerings. Over two enjoyable sessions, players learned the fundamentals of American Mah Jongg — the most popular version of the classic tile game, played both socially and in clubs across the U.S. The course has taken off like wildfire. Classes have expanded to include intermediate, advanced, and open play classes. Beginners who never touched a tile and seasoned players looking for a friendly local game have all flocked to JCCC to enjoy one of the world’s most captivating tile games.
Learning to earning: faster pathways forward
Johnson County Adult Education (JCAE) serves an important population: students who need a high school diploma and a job, fast. For those who just can’t wait, JCAE offers two integrated education training programs.
Eager learners can get up to speed with Accelerating Opportunities-Kansas (A-OK). Here, students can work toward an industry-recognized credential while completing their high school diploma through the GED exam. Career pathways include Automotive Technology, Healthcare-CNA, Welding/Metal Fabrication, Emergency Medical Technician, Web Development, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Plumbing. This year, JCAE increased the number of students served from 14 to 25.
JCAE’s second path is designed for English language learners (ELL). Students can master the English language while studying in the Certified Nurse Aide or Commercial Driver’s License program. JCAE supported 17 students in their language and career journeys this year.
Fueled by demand: CDL training expansion
The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training program is growing! After completing the construction of a new training facility in Edgerton, Kansas, in 2024, WDCE was “driven” to better meet student needs. WDCE has added a CDL-B course and weeknight CDL-A program and is in the process of adding three additional training pads at the facility – giving students more opportunities to learn and upskill around their schedule.
Transforming lives through scholarship support
Scholarships connect individuals to life-changing educational opportunities to gain meaningful employment in the workforce. Scholarships are provided through the JCCC Foundation, special grant programs, and generous donors. In FY26, 139 scholarships were awarded to WDCE students, totaling $267,543.
Expanding Testing Center access for a growing workforce
The Regnier Testing Center administered more than 4,000 tests this year! The Regnier Testing Center provides a variety of testing proctoring services for professionals in IT, HR, insurance, financial services, and more. This high volume meant the need for expanded hours and capacity to meet the needs of testers. With new evening hours, the team will provide a variety of testing proctoring services for even more professionals in the Johnson County community.
From mailboxes to metrics: awareness campaign success
The marketing team developed and implemented a WDCE awareness campaign through direct mail. Monthly postcards hit mailboxes across Johnson County, encouraging residents to discover another side of JCCC — Workforce Development and Continuing Education. FY26 website traffic from new visitors has increased by 131% compared to FY25.
Raising the roof (and building a strong community foundation)
In partnership with the League for Innovation in the Community College and Owens Corning, WDCE planned and hosted the Owens Corning Roofing Accelerator Pilot. These short, focused, stackable five-day courses gave students the skills and confidence employers are looking for. Three career tracks — Residential Roofing, Sales Fundamentals, and Office Operations — taught real-world, employer-ready skills. With 20 applicants per career track, students graduated in one week, earned a nationally recognized certificate, and benefited from direct job connections with Owens Corning-approved contractors.
Bringing learning to life at the inaugural open house
WDCE hosted a two-day event that invited businesses and the community to explore and learn about WDCE. Friday began with a business mixer, where local professionals watched equipment demonstrations, explored simulators, and learned from industry experts. Saturday was fun for the whole family, as attendees toured classrooms, explored potential hobbies, and participated in fun mini classes like calligraphy and portrait drawing.
Small businesses get in the game
The Kansas Small Business Development Center and APEX Accelerator assisted KC Game Plan, a collaboration initiative, in hosting four on-campus events tailored towards small business owners as they prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More than 260 small business owners attended the sessions, learning about key topics including cybersecurity and business protection; accessing capital to expand services; and digital and social media marketing.
