Hazard Community and Technical College receives grant from the US Department of Education to improve services for rural communities

Hazard Community and Technical College has received funding from the US Department of Education and the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development grant program in order to expand the services the school offers to rural communities. The grant totals $2.2 million and is the largest grant amount awarded in Kentucky in 2023 by the US Department of Education.

According to an article on Hazard Community and Technical College’s website, one of the initiatives the school plans to use the funding to implement is Dual Credit Hubs in high schools in Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe counties. The hubs will have people serving as navigators who will help these residents on their journeys to higher education.

Director of Dual Credit at Hazard Community and Technical College Jama Griffie was quoted as saying of dual credit students and the benefits they will receive from the grant funding, “Dual credit students will have ready access to the same services that our on-campus students have in the comfort of their high schools through the development of these hubs. These grant funds will play a crucial role in serving students in our region by providing additional resources such as support staff, technology, workshops and more one-on-one advising.” 

Another initiative that the grant will fund is wrap-around support services for students, including tutoring and advising. These services will be offered to students who are enrolled for online courses through Hazard Community and Technical College. 

Chief Student Affairs Officer Dr. Deronda Mobelini discussed why these services are important, saying, “Our student success coaches provide a critical service to our online students through personal outreach. They help students tackle academic and non-academic barriers. For example, a student may not know how to find a tutor, financial guidance or an academic advisor. The coach can provide that help or connect the student to designated experts who can assist.” 

Dr. Jennifer Lindon, who is the president and CEO of Hazard Community and Technical College, said, “Building upon our values of community, empowerment and innovation, HCTC will continue in its mission of bridging the gap between high school, college and career, far beyond the walls of our classrooms. We are incredibly grateful to receive these funds. The services that we intend to expand and implement will increase access to opportunities for students at critical points in their journeys.”

Dr. Lindon also mentioned that staff and faculty will receive professional development to learn how to best help students coming from rural areas succeed in their education.

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