The Promise Scholars Program is designed to help recent graduates from Letcher County Central High School prepare for a successful transition to college.
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College has partnered with Partners for Rural Impact (PRI) to launch the Promise Scholars Program. The Promise Scholars Program will help recent graduates from Letcher County Central High School prepare for a successful transition to college. The program will expand educational opportunities for students and provide pathways to a college education.
According to an article on Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College’s website, Dr. Erin Reasor, who is the acting chief academic officer and dean of healthcare and technical programming at SKCTC, was quoted as saying, "At Southeast, we are committed to helping students succeed both in the classroom and beyond graduation. Programs like Promise Scholars give students an early opportunity to develop the academic, communication, and problem-solving skills that support success in college, the workforce, and their communities. We are proud to partner with Partners for Rural Impact to help students build a strong foundation for their future."
The summer bridge program will give recent graduates of Letcher County Central High School the opportunity to participate in the college’s first-year experience course, FYE 105, before the fall semester begins. The course helps students strengthen their communication skills and problem-solving abilities, and helps familiarize them with the college campus and the community.
Safia Sykes, who is the project director at Partners for Rural Impact, said of the partnership, "Partners for Rural Impact is proud to support the summer bridge program to help ensure Letcher County students have a successful transition to college, which creates a strong foundation for future academic, career, and personal success. Our partnership with Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College reflects a shared commitment to building on local resources and relationships to create the opportunities young people in the community need to tap into their potential.”
Dr. Sandy Holbrook is a professor and the instructor for the 20-student Promise Scholars cohort that is in session this summer. She said the course is an exciting opportunity, both for her and for the students: "When I was approached about teaching FYE 105 in person this summer, I was excited for the opportunity. Most summer courses are taught online, so having the chance to interact with students in a live classroom setting is a welcome change. When I arrived on campus the first day, the parking lot was full, and I walked into a classroom of 20 students eager to learn together. This course allows us to discuss Southeast's Quality Enhancement Plan and help students understand how the skills they develop in the college classroom translate into durable, essential skills in the workplace. I am excited to work with this group of students and learn alongside them throughout the summer."
For more information about Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, visit the school’s website.