April is community college month, which gives us an opportunity to highlight the fantastic work done by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). The KCTCS system is made up of 16 campuses across the Commonwealth. Between these schools, more than 100,000 Kentuckians are currently enrolled, seeking a postsecondary credential in more than 100 programs of study.
KCTCS was founded in 1998 under the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act, which combined Kentucky’s 14 community colleges, which at that time were operated by the University of Kentucky, and the 15 technical institutes within the Kentucky Workforce Development Cabinet. Since then, it has assisted more than half a million Kentuckians with obtaining a postsecondary credential, associate degree, or other professional certification to give them the tools necessary to pursue their dream workforce opportunity.
The institution was designed to provide Kentuckians with access to affordable and applicable educational opportunities. More than 66% of KCTCS students pay no tuition due to the institution’s commitment to financial aid opportunities. Financial aid leaves a lasting impact on this institution, with opportunities such as the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship available to support Kentuckians in achieving their dreams. The Work Ready Scholarship was given to more than 3,500 KCTCS students in the 2021-2022 school year. In the same school year, KCTCS was first in the nation for credentials awarded per capita. This includes graduates from short-term programs that can lead to jobs that pay up to $60,000 per year.
KCTCS also helps high school students have access to a minimum of three general education and three technical dual credit courses throughout their high school careers. In the 2021-2022 school year, more than 12,000 Kentucky high school students received the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship to fund dual credit courses. Dual credit courses allow students to receive a boost going into college and allows them to determine what career or educational path is best for them.
KCTCS is a cornerstone of the Commonwealth. It has impacted the lives of over a million Kentuckians through course offerings, dual credit courses, credentials, trainings, and other educational programs. It allows students to start, finish, or continue their education to provide an educational boost to their career path. From lineman training to associates in science degrees, KCTCS prepares Kentuckians for their next step. It does not matter if you are graduating high school or have been in the workforce most of your life. KCTCS has a program or opportunity waiting to help you get to where you are going.
This session the General Assembly passed Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 192 to investigate ways to further the success of KCTCS. In collaboration with the Council on Postsecondary Education, KCTCS will provide an action plan based on the results from SJR 98 and recommendations provided from the Huron Group, an organization that conducted a review of the institution this past year. This resolution will evaluate the performance and quality of KCTCS and build on the success of this system.
As we celebrate Community College Month, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding faculty, staff, and all those who contribute to the success of KCTCS. Their dedication to providing Kentuckians with affordable and meaningful education opportunities is truly remarkable, and I want to thank them for their hard work and commitment to our communities. I can personally attest for its impact on our community as my daughter is a successful graduate of the physical therapy assistant program at Somerset Community College and would not be where she is today without the support of KCTCS.
I would also like to encourage everyone to take a closer look at what KCTCS has to offer and would encourage you to support its mission. KCTCS provides high-quality training and education that can lead to rewarding and in-demand careers. The support of the community and awareness of the institution can help lead more Kentuckians to access the opportunities waiting for them at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Amy.Neighbors@lrc.ky.gov and for more information on the General Assembly, please visit the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
(Laura Leigh Goins, Deputy Chief of Staff for Media Relations – House Majority Leadership)