Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Receives Major Grant for Student Support

College grant celebration event

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Receives Major Grant for Student Support

Bowling Green, Ky. – Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) has exciting news for current and future students. On Friday, the college announced that it has been awarded a significant grant aimed at enhancing the academic success of first-generation students and those from low-income households. This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education through the Title 3 Strengthening Institutions Program Grant and totals a remarkable $2 million over the span of five years.

Team Effort Over 18 Months

Dr. T. Chris George, who serves as the director of TRIO Programs at SKYCTC, shared that the journey to securing this grant began in the Spring of 2023 and took roughly 18 months to finally receive approval. “It was a team effort across the institution to put the package together,” Dr. George remarked. He expressed great excitement about the grant, acknowledging the positive impact it is expected to have on many students and the wider community. “Over the next five years, we’re really going to be able to make a lot of difference for a lot of students,” he added.

Addressing Key Barriers

Officials at SKYCTC pointed out that first-generation college students and those facing economic hardships often struggle with several barriers, particularly when it comes to staying in school and graduating on time. The aim of the new grant is to help ease these challenges. Dr. George emphasized that the funds will allow the college to extend its capabilities in areas critical to student success, stating, “It allows us to make a bigger impact in their overall retention, graduation, and college and career readiness by providing additional opportunities.”

Focus on Mental Health

In today’s education landscape, one of the grant’s key components will focus on mental health, a significant concern for many students. The college recognizes that supporting mental well-being is essential for maintaining academic performance and overall life balance. Resources will be allocated to ensure that students have access to the support they need to navigate the pressures of college life.

Key Initiatives Supported by the Grant

According to the college, several important initiatives will be supported by the grant. These include:

Expanding programming designed to assist students in staying on track for graduation.
Enhancing career success opportunities for students to prepare for the workforce.
Providing financial literacy education to help students manage their finances responsibly.

The essence of these initiatives centers on empowering students to become self-sufficient and well-prepared for their futures. By fostering an environment that promotes academic retention and career readiness, SKYCTC intends to use this funding to cultivate a more supportive educational experience for all students.

Looking Ahead

As SKYCTC prepares to implement these new programs and initiatives, the institution looks forward to seeing the positive outcomes of the grant funding. By targeting first-generation and low-income students, the college aims to break down barriers to success and create a more inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

In conclusion, the support provided by the Title 3 Strengthening Institutions Program Grant marks a significant milestone for Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College. The expected results from this grant promise to enhance the academic and career readiness of many students, creating lasting benefits for both the college and the Bowling Green community as a whole.