Experience shows community members the positive impact of Seward County Community College on individual lives and the local economy. A recent study offers numbers to demonstrate just how powerful that impact is.
Thanks to a comprehensive survey and research sponsored by the Kansas Association of Community College, SCCC received an in-depth analysis of economic impact from the Lightcast company. The total? More than $75 million added to the local economy in just one academic year.
Lightcast analysis shows that in FY 2021-22, operations and student spending of SCCC, together with the enhanced productivity of its alumni, generated $78.2 million in added income for the SCCC Service Area economy.
“Keep in mind, our service area is enormous and covers seven counties in Southwest Kansas, along with two in the Oklahoma Panhandle, areas that are often overlooked or left behind in terms of economic development,” said SCCC President Brad Bennett. “The college provides a powerful infusion of funds, education, and expertise.”
The region’s Kansas communities not only send residents to the college, they also provide tax support. That funding generates more prosperity now and in the long range. SCCC generates more in tax revenue than it receives, and over time, taxpayers receive a value of $1.50 for every tax dollar paid to support the college.
More immediate benefits add up, too. The additional income of $78.2 million created by SCCC is equal to approximately 1.7 percent of the total gross regional product of the service area — larger than the entire Real Estate & rental & leasing industry in the region. It is equivalent to supporting 1,183 jobs. One of every 37 jobs in the service area is supported by SCCC and its students.
Breaking down the impact into its parts,
• SCCC Payroll and benefits amounted to $11.5 m.
• Nonpay SCCC expenditures amounted to $11.8 m.
• Operations spending in the area was $12.9 m, or the equivalent of 294 jobs.
• SCCC student spending added about $1 m to the economy, equivalent to 21 jobs.
SCCC’s Vice President of Business Affairs Maddie Day said the college continually seeks to strengthen the local economy through bid awards, improve efficiency in its daily operations, and strategically build student enrollment.
“We’ve taken a close look at all our practices with the goal of using taxpayer funds wisely, and getting the most benefit for our students,” she said.
Bennett pointed out that numbers alone cannot convey the overall impact of SCCC. State and local governments see increased tax revenue, the public sector counts significant savings as area residents attain higher levels of education, and business and industry recruitment is enhanced.
“The College supports so many industries in our service area, and works with employers and organizations to continually expand,” he said. “The goal is always to provide relevant, high-quality education that improves the lives of our students and the community we all share.”
Categories: Economic Impact, Our Community, Workforce Development
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