Bluegrass Community and Technical College receives more than $2 million in funding from U.S. Department of Education

Bluegrass Community and Technical College has received a Strengthening Institutions Program Title III Grant from the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $2,124,495. The SIP program aims to provide funding that will give institutions more ability to support students who come from low-income backgrounds to better ensure their success in college. Bluegrass Community and Technical College will use the funding to establish a Career Services Center, among other things.

According to an article on Bluegrass Community and Technical College’s website, Dr. Greg Feeney, who serves as the school’s president and CEO, explained how this grant funding will give the school the ability to empower low income students throughout their education. Feeney is quoted as saying, “By fostering collaboration among advising, faculty, and career exploration, the Center aims to enhance the overall student experience and better prepare them for their future careers. With these funds, BCTC plans to expand existing services and focus on empowering students to make informed career choices, ensuring they are ready to enter the workforce upon completing their education.”

The five-year grant will support a number of related initiatives at Bluegrass Community and Technical College. One of the initiatives is the establishment of an on-campus Career Services Center, which will be headed by Dr. Tracy Spotts as the Director of Career Services and Work-based Learning. Dr. Spotts is the principal investigator of the grant project, as well. Dr. Spotts expressed her gratitude for the grant funding, saying, “Career Services is beyond grateful to be receiving this grant as it will allow us to meet students where they are and improve the way in which we deliver our services to the BCTC community.”

The Career Services Center will be staffed by career advisors as well as administrative employees who will analyze data collected by the center to better support Bluegrass Community and Technical College’s students. 

Other related initiatives that will be bolstered by the grant funding is the creation of career pathway informational materials for students to have a better understanding of their career prospects based on the academic program they are pursuing. Additionally, career exploration opportunities will be supported through collaboration between student advisors and faculty members.

More information about Bluegrass Community and Technical College can be found on the school’s website.