Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College receives grant from United Way of Southern Kentucky

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College has received a grant of $39,900 from the United Way of Southern Kentucky. The grant funding will go toward programs and initiatives at the college that will support individuals through workforce development, educational opportunity, and reentry opportunity.

According to an article on Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College’s website, Dr. Michelle Trawick, who serves as the Chancellor of SKYCTC, was quoted as saying of the funding, "These investments strengthen programs that create life-changing opportunities for individuals and families across our region. United Way's continued partnership allows us to remove barriers to education, expand workforce training and provide second-chance opportunities that transform lives while strengthening the communities we serve."

The nearly $40,000 in grant funding is broken up across several initiatives at the college: SKYCTC Foundation – Workforce Solutions CDL Program ($15,000); SKYCTC Foundation – SKYRISE Road to Reentry ($3,000); SKYRISE Road to Reentry – Butler County ($1,500); SKYRISE Road to Reentry – Logan County ($4,500); SKYRISE Road to Reentry – Simpson County ($2,400); Upward Bound Math and Science – Logan County ($7,500); and Upward Bound Math and Science – Simpson County ($6,000). The funding period began on July 1, 2026 and will last through June 30, 2027. 

SKYCTC's Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program through Workforce Solutions received the largest share of the grant funding. Truck driving is one of the state’s highest demand careers, and the grant funding will help individuals get into these careers more quickly, as financial aid often does not cover tuition for CDL programs. The grant funding will help offset tuition costs.

Kim Myers, the Dean of Workforce Solutions at SKYCTC, said, "Our CDL program provides an accelerated pathway to a family-sustaining career. In just four weeks, students can earn their commercial driver's license and begin careers averaging nearly $60,000 during their first year of employment. This funding makes that opportunity accessible to even more students."

In addition to CDL tuition funding, the grant will also assist individuals who are currently incarcerated achieve an education. The SKYRISE Road to Reentry program provides online education to incarcerated individuals Butler, Logan, and Simpson counties. These students will earn credentials and needed skills before being released, giving them the foundation to enter into a career upon their reentry. 

The SKYRISE Road to Reentry program has received national recognition for its innovation in correctional education and is a model of best practice for similar programs around the country. The college is also planning to expand the program into the Barren River Area Development District.

Heather LaRue, the Coordinator of SKYRISE Road to Reentry, said, "TRIO programs are about removing barriers and opening doors. The SKYRISE Road to Reentry program exemplifies that mission by giving individuals an opportunity to rewrite their futures while helping build stronger, safer communities."

Speaking to the importance of the program, Dr. Chris George, the Director of TRIO Programs and Title III Initiatives at SKYCTC, said, "Everyone loves a comeback story, and everyone deserves a second chance.”

The rest of the grant funding will go toward the college’s Upward Bound Math and Science programs, which is a federally funded TRIO program that provides low-income or potential first-generation college student high schoolers with academic enrichment, college preparation, financial literacy, and mentoring. The goal is to prepare these students for college education and eventual careers in STEM fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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