Training education in Northeast Kansas began during World War II when Topeka School District in Topeka, Kansas established Topeka Trade School in 1941. In addition to machine shop and auto mechanics courses, the school eventually provided wartime and civil service training for Topeka Army Airfield personnel as well as pre-induction training for student bound for military service.

In 1963, The Kansas Legislature passed legislation which has had, and will continue to have, far reaching effects on career and technical education in Kansas. The intent of this legislation is revealed in the following excerpts from the statute:

“It is the intention of the Legislature and the purpose of this act to provide a means whereby the State of Kansas in cooperation with local communities can provide facilities for training and preparation of students for productive employment as technicians and skilled workers and to more nearly equalize educational opportunities.”

Washburn Institute of Technology (WIT) was founded as Northeast Kansas Vocational Technical School in 1964, the school was renamed Kaw Area Vocational Technical School in 1967, and in 1992 was renamed Kaw Area Technical School (K.A.T.S.).

In 2008, Kaw Area Technical School (K.A.T.S.) affiliated with Washburn University of Topeka. As a results of this affiliation the name of the institution was changed to Washburn Institute of Technology, also known as Washburn Tech.

For more information on Washburn Tech's history, please visit washburntech.edu/about-us/history.html.