Students in the Washburn Rural High School (WRHS) Architecture & Construction pathway witnessed a historic moment this afternoon as FHLBank Topeka president and CEO Jeff Kuzbel presented a $10,000 check in support of the program. The gift will directly enhance hands-on learning for students enrolled in residential carpentry, woodworking, drafting, and other architecture- and construction-related courses by funding essential materials and equipment to support their work.

"We are incredibly grateful for FHLBank Topeka's investment in our students," said Auburn-Washburn Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott McWilliams. "This gift strengthens a program that provides meaningful career exploration and industry-aligned skills. Partnerships like this help us prepare students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades."

The gift reflects FHLBank Topeka's ongoing commitment to workforce development and affordable housing initiatives. The organization has championed similar education-to-career models, including its partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver to establish the
FHLBank Topeka Affordable Housing Institute at MSU Denver, which helps address the need for skilled professionals in affordable housing, property management, and resident services.

"Education is an important driver for community growth," said FHLBank Topeka president and CEO Jeff Kuzbel. "As a proud member of the Topeka community since 1932, FHLBank Topeka has long partnered on initiatives that strengthen local development. We recognize the vital role that architecture and construction programs play in preparing high school students for future success and are honored to play a small part in expanding these opportunities at Washburn Rural High School."

About Washburn Rural High School
WRHS offers 15 career-focused pathway programs approved by the Kansas Department of Education. Nearly 85 percent of students will take at least one pathway course during their time in high school. Architecture & Construction pathway courses are housed in the district's newly built Innovation Center, a 50,000-sq. ft. facility designed to expand career and technical education opportunities for Auburn-Washburn students.

About FHLBank Topeka
FHLBank Topeka is a member-owned, federally chartered corporation and one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks nationwide. The organization provides economical funding to member financial institutions, supporting affordable housing, small-business lending, and local economic development. FHLBank Topeka serves 665 member banks, thrifts, insurance companies, credit unions, and community development financial institutions in its four-state area of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Its Affordable Housing Program, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2024, has disbursed more than $400 million in grants to create more than 78,000 homes.