Empowering Future Tech Leaders: Nex-Tech Announces 2026 Technology Education Sponsorship Recipients

Hays, KS, September 2, 2026 — On Friday, July 31, 2026, Nex-Tech celebrated the ambitions of dedicated students during a special signing day event, marking an important step in their pursuit of careers in technology. Through the Technology Education Sponsorship Program, these students are set on a promising path toward joining the Nex-Tech team.

This dynamic initiative—established in partnership with Fort Hays Tech | North Central—provides full coverage of tuition and books for students pursuing Telecommunications & Network Technology or Information Technology. In addition to financial support, students gain valuable hands-on experience through internship opportunities, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Upon completion of the program, participants transition into roles at Nex-Tech, prepared to contribute and thrive within the industry.

2026 Sponsorship Recipients

This year’s sponsorship recipients include:

Emmitt McDaniel, son of Douglas McDaniel, Hays, KS

Henry Glendening, son of Jim and Angela Glendening, Hays, KS

Isaac Thomas, son of Nicole Richter, Hoxie, KS

Jack Scoby, son of Travis and Jody Scoby, Hays, KS

Each of these students will pursue studies in Telecommunications at Fort Hays Tech | North Central this fall.

Student Perspectives

Students selected for the program expressed excitement about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build meaningful careers in the telecommunications industry:

• • Emmitt McDaniel shared that he is eager “to get hands-on experience with telecommunications as well as being in a work environment like Nex-Tech’s,” with future goals including building a well-rounded life and personal success.
  • Henry Glendening highlighted the opportunity to “work locally with people who care,” while gaining valuable experience and reducing financial burdens, with aspirations to join Nex-Tech’s Tech Ops team and complete his associate degree in Telecommunications.
  • Isaac Thomas noted his enthusiasm for gaining Nex-Tech job experience, learning new skills, and building a successful and well-rounded career in the field.

Jack Scoby expressed a desire to continue learning new skills and plans to finish the Telecommunications program at Fort Hays Tech while continuing his career with Nex-Tech.

Program Impact

“This program continues to deliver outstanding results for both students and Nex-Tech,” said Justin McClung, COO. “By combining education, hands-on experience, and a clear career path, we’ve been able to develop talented employees who make a lasting impact on our company and the communities we serve. Emmitt, Henry, Isaac, and Jack are great additions to the program, and we’re looking forward to seeing the contributions they’ll make in the years ahead.”

Jennifer Brown, Vice President of Student and Instructional Services at Fort Hays Tech | North Central commented, “We appreciate the partnership between Nex-Tech and Fort Hays Tech | North Central to help students be successful. Nex-Tech’s willingness to step up and create innovative solutions to help connect students to career opportunities available within their industry highlights the importance of collaboration between the college and business and industry. Working together, we can help students meet their goals and move into rewarding careers right here in north central and western Kansas”

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

The Technology Education Sponsorship Program highlights Nex-Tech’s commitment to developing local talent and strengthening communities across north central and western Kansas. By investing in students today, Nex-Tech is helping build the workforce of tomorrow.

Students interested in the Technology Education Sponsorship Program for 2027 can apply for eligible courses at Fort Hays Tech | Norton Central (https://www.fhtechnc.edu/) and complete the Nex-Tech Sponsorship application, available on the Nex-Tech website (https://www.nex-tech.com/community/scholarships/) For further information, contact Fort Hays Tech | North Central at 1-888-567-4297 or visit their website.

About Nex-Tech

Nex-Tech connects thousands of people and businesses through a robust broadband network and cutting-edge technology. Nex-Tech’s powerful fiber-to-the-premise technology delivers the highest quality Internet, with speeds up to 1 Gig, streaming TV, home security, and local and long-distance phone service. Nex-Tech also provides an array of enterprise solutions, including cloud services, Hosted PBX, network security, managed IT, physical security and surveillance, advertising solutions, and network operations monitoring to business clients nationwide.

Nex-Tech focuses on providing the best technology and support with the best people. With stores in more than 20 locations, a full-service Help Desk, and a 24-hour Network Operations Center, Nex-Tech customers are ensured unsurpassed technology and support. Headquartered in Lenora, Kansas, Nex-Tech has been delivering exceptional service for more than 70 years.