Start Your Career Before You Graduate
High school juniors and seniors from Douglas County and surrounding districts can take hands-on pre-apprenticeship courses at Peaslee Tech. Scholarships, grants, and financial assistance are available to help keep training affordable. Get certified, get experience, and get ahead.
How It Works
Talk to Your Counselor
Tell your high school counselor you're interested in taking courses at Peaslee Tech. They can help coordinate your schedule and confirm eligibility as a junior or senior.
Choose Your Course
Pick from pre-apprenticeship programs in building trades, diesel technology, manufacturing, aviation, welding, and more. View all high school courses →
Enroll at Peaslee Tech
Contact Charlie Lauts at charlie.lauts@peasleetech.org or 785-856-1801 ext 106. Charlie will walk you through the enrollment process.
Start Training
Show up, put in the work, and start building real-world skills. Courses are scheduled to fit around your school day — your counselor and Peaslee Tech will help coordinate timing.
Courses for High School Students
Peaslee Tech offers 13 hands-on courses for high school students — from welding and building trades to CDL, cosmetology, aviation, and more.
View All High School CoursesThe Peaslee Promise
Partner High Schools
Peaslee Tech serves juniors and seniors from high schools across the Lawrence and greater KC metro area.
Don't see your school? Peaslee Tech welcomes students from all area districts. Contact us to learn more.
What Students & Parents Ask
Do I need to be a junior or senior?
Most Peaslee Tech high school courses are open to juniors and seniors (11th and 12th graders). Some evening courses may also be available to younger students — contact Peaslee Tech to ask.
How much does it cost?
Peaslee Tech offers scholarships, grants, and financial assistance to help make training affordable. The Peaslee Promise endowment campaign is working to make training completely free for qualifying students in the future. Call 785-856-1801 to discuss your options.
Will it count toward my high school graduation?
Work with your school counselor to determine how Peaslee Tech courses may count toward your graduation requirements. Policies vary by district.
How do I get to Peaslee Tech during the school day?
Peaslee Tech is at 2920 Haskell Avenue in Lawrence. Some districts provide transportation. Talk to your counselor about options available in your school.
What happens after I finish the course?
You'll earn a Certificate of Completion from Peaslee Tech. Many students continue into full apprenticeship programs, enroll in additional Peaslee Tech courses after graduation, or go directly into employment with local employers.
Can my parents come visit before I sign up?
Absolutely. Peaslee Tech welcomes campus tours for students and parents. Request a tour and we'll call you to schedule a visit, or call us directly at 785-856-1801.
Resources to Help You Help Your Student
Whether you're a parent exploring options or a counselor guiding students, here's everything you need to know about Peaslee Tech's high school programs.
Accredited & KBOR-Recognized
Peaslee Tech has been recognized by the Kansas Board of Regents as a postsecondary institution since 2017. Students earn industry-recognized credentials and certifications.
Financial Assistance Available
Peaslee Tech offers scholarships, grants, and financial assistance to keep training affordable. The Peaslee Promise endowment campaign aims to make training debt-free for qualifying students.
Industry-Experienced Instructors
Every instructor is a licensed professional with real-world industry experience — master electricians, certified welders, CDL trainers, and more. Meet our staff →
Fits Around the School Day
Courses are scheduled to work with your student's existing class schedule. Peaslee Tech works with school counselors to coordinate timing so students don't fall behind.
Real Credentials, Real Careers
Students earn Certificates of Completion and industry-recognized credentials. Many go directly into apprenticeships or employment with local companies after graduation.
Tour Our Campus
Parents and students are welcome to visit our 80,000 sq. ft. facility at 2920 Haskell Avenue. See the classrooms, shops, and equipment firsthand. Request a tour →
Career Guides — Salaries, Outlook & Day-in-the-Life
Wondering what your student could earn? These guides cover real salary data, job growth projections, and what a typical day looks like in each field.
📋 Counselor Quick Reference
Need to refer a student or coordinate enrollment? Contact Charlie Lauts:
How Student Enrollment Works
Growing to Serve 400 High School Students Annually by 2030
High school students have attended classes at Peaslee Tech through our partnership with USD 497, and more recently through the addition of evening and afternoon sessions for students from twelve area high schools. We aspire to serve 400 students annually in Peaslee Tech programs by January 1, 2030. If your school isn't yet partnered with Peaslee Tech, let's change that.
Request a Campus Tour
Come see our 80,000 sq. ft. facility in person — classrooms, welding shops, auto bays, the new cosmetology salon, and more. Tours are available for students, parents, counselors, and groups.
Ready to Get Started?
Talk to your school counselor, then reach out to Peaslee Tech. We will walk you through the process and get you enrolled.