GCCC Announces Partnership with Triple Oak Power to Support Construction and Electrical Technology Programs
Garden City Community College (GCCC) is proud to announce a long-term partnership with Triple Oak Power to support GCCC’s construction and electrical technology programs. The funding agreement is between GCCC and Sherlock Solar LLC, one part of Triple Oak’s larger Home Range Clean Power Project. The partnership will provide $3.75 million to GCCC over the 30-year life of the project, dependent on the project proceeding; construction on the solar project is expected to begin in 2027.
Under the agreement, GCCC will receive $125,000 annually for 30 years, with Triple Oak Power’s support including:
- $25,000 annually in scholarships, with preference for students from Finney and Kearny Counties.
- Support for a faculty position.
- Investments in equipment and training for construction and electrical technology programs.
- Naming rights for the Electrical Shop within GCCC’s Security State Bank Construction Trades Center.
The nearly 11,000-square-foot Construction Trades Center will soon house GCCC’s electrical technology and construction trades training. The partnership will help Garden City Community College continue preparing students for skilled-trades careers throughout southwest Kansas.
“Community colleges play an important role in connecting students with the skills employers need right here in our region,” said Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College. “This partnership represents an opportunity to strengthen our construction and electrical programs while creating additional opportunities for students to pursue careers in high-demand fields. We are extremely appreciative of Triple Oak Power’s investments and commitment to investing in workforce development and our students.”
Ruda also added, “These partnerships represent industry and education working collaboratively to meet the needs of the region and provide value in training a qualified workforce. Triple Oak Power is a great example of industry stepping forward to make a value-added investment in this community that will pay dividends for years to come.”
Triple Oak Power representatives said the partnership will support workforce development and educational opportunities in southwest Kansas.
"For more than a century, Garden City Community College has prepared students across southwest Kansas for the future, finding innovative ways to open doors to education and careers that weren't there before,” said Jesse Gronner, CEO and Founder of Triple Oak Power. “We're proud to invest in that work, and in the students who will build their futures right here in southwest Kansas.”
The Home Range Clean Power project is a proposed energy and data center project in Finney and Kearny counties by Triple Oak Power. Sherlock Solar LLC received a Special Use Permit in June 2026 and is expected to begin construction in 2027.
GCCC remains committed to working with businesses, industries, and organizations that invest in education and workforce development across southwest Kansas. Through these partnerships, GCCC continues to expand opportunities for students and helps meet the workforce needs of the communities it serves.
About Triple Oak Power
Triple Oak Power’s mission is to develop sustainable energy plants. Founded in 2020, the U.S.-based clean power business brings a fresh approach to a proven playbook. With decades of energy development and power market experience among its leadership and team, Triple Oak develops wind power plus solar, battery storage, natural gas, and other clean energy technologies. The company’s 7-8 GW domestic project pipeline spans 14 states with employees nationwide. Driven by core values of transparency, experience and diversity, Triple Oak Power is committed to building a cleaner, affordable and more reliable power system for customers while making a positive impact in communities. With Energy Capital Partners (ECP) as its financial partner, a leading energy investor, Triple Oak Power is growing its portfolio and impact nationally to meet rising demand for sustainable American energy supply. Learn more at www.tripleoakpower.com.
About Garden City Community College
Founded in 1919, Garden City Community College (GCCC) has served the public longer than any other community college in Kansas. GCCC is the senior leader in community college education for Kansas, with a tradition of preparing people of all ages from diverse backgrounds for success in their lives and careers. The mission of GCCC is to help each student become a positive contributor to the economic and social well-being of society. GCCC offers opportunities for every individual through our shared vision of becoming the premier educational nexus to progress and world-class learning in a dynamic environment. From here, you can go anywhere. Learn more at www.gcccks.edu.
--
Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.