Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College partners with Goodwill Industries

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College and Goodwill Industries have formed a partnership that will have Goodwill Industries participating in the college’s Education First Employer program. Goodwill Industries is the first statewide employer that is participating in the program, which provides employees of participating companies with tuition discounts and other benefits to enroll in a college within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

According to an article on Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College’s website, KCTCS President Ryan Quarles is quoted as saying, “We are thrilled to expand our employer portfolio with the addition of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, in partnership with Family Scholar House. As our economy continues to grow, this partnership will allow us to serve more Kentuckians, especially those experiencing barriers to employment, such as second-chance Kentuckians.”

Family Scholar House is involved in this partnership because it will provide support services to students who are attending a KCTCS school via the Education First Employer program. Family Scholar House will provide wraparound support services, outreach, assistance with enrollment, and career coaching. It also assists students with childcare services and transportation. Family Scholar House will provide data about the students it assists with the students’ employers and colleges to ensure the program is helping students in the most efficient way.

Cathe Dykstra, the Chief Possibility Officer at Family Scholar House, said, "At Family Scholar House, we know student success takes more than academics—it takes support. Through our partnership with KCTCS and Goodwill in the Education First Employer's initiative, we’re helping students overcome real-life barriers like childcare, transportation and financial stress. Together, we’re investing in the whole student and building stronger families, a stronger workforce and stronger communities."

The Education First Employer initiative launched in 2023. The program is beneficial in many ways, including helping local employers retain employees because of the education benefits they will receive from the program, and it helps enhance the local economy and workforce because more employers are encouraged to help their employees pursue higher education. 

Goodwill Industries will provide its employees who wish to participate with tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling, and support services to help them make the most of the education.

Amy Luttrell, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, said, “Goodwill sees education as more than an opportunity—it’s necessary for long-term success. By becoming an Education First Employer in partnership with KCTCS and Family Scholar House, Goodwill continues to provide invaluable workforce assistance and barrier reduction for students, making a tangible commitment to the growth and development of our employees and clients. When we invest in education, we invest in brighter futures for individuals, their families and our commonwealth.”

The Education First Employer program currently consists of a network of 60 employers.

For more information about Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, visit the school’s website.