Three colleges within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) will soon be developing high-quality career pathways thanks to federal grants awarded by the federal Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program.
The colleges and awards include:
— Big Sandy Community and Technical College, $1.8 million.
— Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, $1.9 million.
— Hazard Community and Technical College, $2.2 million
According to a press release, the pathways developed will focus on high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in their regions.
“The faculty and staff of our colleges, and our many education and workforce partners, are laser-focused on students achieving success in the classroom and in the workplace, and we are making significant progress,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “With the support of these competitive grants, our colleges will strengthen career pathways in high-demand fields for thousands of students in their regions and beyond.”
At Big Sandy Community and Technical College, officials will restructure its current student advising structure by reimagining the role of advisors and implementing strategies to support students in navigating their chosen pathways effectively.
At Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, staff will work to increase education, awareness and engagement among learners about the diverse and promising career pathways available in advanced manufacturing.
At Hazard Community and Technical College, leadership will implement a secondary to postsecondary transition program including dual credit hubs at each high school and area technology centers with new college navigators to provide greater access to a wide range of resources and support services, in addition to professional development for faculty and staff.
For more information about KCTCS, visit systemoffice.kctcs.edu.
