Pratt Community College’s (PCC) economic impact and growth are well beyond expectations and lessens the impact of the effects of the economic downturn. Over the last two years, PCC’s positive economic impact on Pratt County has grown almost 20 percent. The direct economic contributions in real dollars include the following:
Average deposits in local financial institutions = $7 Million
Annual payroll for 200 full-time and part-time employees = $5,870,183
PCC purchases of goods and services locally, which is 34 percent of all purchases = $2,502,830
Student purchases of goods and services = $580,000
Visitor purchases of goods and services = $350,000
Community service performed by PCC employees and students (@ minimum wage) = $120,000
Pratt County Resident Scholarships = $144,994
In addition to this direct flow of dollars into the community, PCC provides numerous quality of life contributions. The college provided education to 2,350 students in the 2008-09 school year. This education was delivered by several means – on site, Interactive Television and over the internet. The college has provided business/industry training to workers in business, healthcare and several public service occupations. In addition, PCC has provided scholarship assistance to displaced workers and has guided them into new career areas such as Electric Power Technology and certified nurse aides. Instructional services continue to be provided to over 500 high school students saving them and their parents time and money by taking college courses while still in high school. Also, PCC has brought bachelor’s level programs in education through Fort Hays State University.
The college dispenses over $1.2 million in financial aid and works heavily with disadvantaged students. PCC students and staff contributed some 16,500 hours of community service work this past year. In addition, the college continues to offer a host of youth programs, cultural programs and sporting events to community patrons. Some 190 groups and organizations have used PCC facilities during the 2008-09 school year, which translates into approximately 20,000 people in and out of PCC facilities.
Not counting the worth of PCC’s quality of life contributions and taking into account the direct infusion of $9.4 million into the Pratt economy, the total impact of Pratt Community College on the Pratt County economy is estimated at $37.6 million. Economists estimate that money turns over four to seven times in determining economic value. Using a multiplier of four, PCC’s $37.6 million impact is responsible for the livelihood of 1,156 Pratt County wage earners or 12 percent of the county’s 2008 population, given that the average 2007 Pratt County income was $32,513. (September 2008 Kansas Statistical Abstract)
Depending on whether a person sees the glass as half empty or half full, the $4.99 million derived from county taxes can be looked at as a burden or an investment. One only has to look at many of the town throughout the state to realize that PCC plays an important role in keeping Pratt a vibrant, productive community today and in the future.
William Wojciechowski is the president of Pratt Community College.
Pratt, Kan. —
