Bank of America awarded the college with $50,000 to support the region’s workforce development. In a separate grant, the Truist Foundation provided $30,000 to support career advancement for resettled immigrant families.

The funding comes from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System's (KCTCS) TRAINS initiative and, along with partner funding, covered tuition for the 2026 paramedic cohort in full.

The partnership will work to collect and preserve oral histories and document Black Hoosier history.

The two institutions first launched their collaborative Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in 2023 as a response to the increased need for qualified nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new program will create partnerships with local employers to give students pathways from the classroom into a career, supporting the region’s workforce.

The pilot program will help professionals advance their careers by giving county employees the ability to pursue degrees at discounted prices.

Dr. Hottle is also a board-appointed chairperson and assistant professor of nursing at Potomac State College of West Virginia University.

Lim was presented the award for her work in online learning techniques, video technologies, and innovation by the United States Distance Learning Association.

The grant funding will continue the operation of the Shelby County Relative Caregiver Program for the next five years.

The partnership includes working with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to create additional opportunities for students who participate in the BlueHorizon apprenticeship pathway.