Ashland Community and Technical College opens new Career Closet to provide interview attire

The new Career Closet has opened at Ashland Community and Technical College. The closet will support the needs of both students and alumni who are applying for jobs but might not otherwise have access to clothing that is appropriate for job interviews. 

The school has put out a call to the community for support of this new initiative, asking the ACTC family to help fill the closet. As it stands now, the closet needs khaki pants, plain polos, button down collared shirts, skirts, slacks, pants, and dress shirts.

In an article posted on Ashland Community and Technical College’s website, the Director of Career Services, Ashley Vanderpool, talked about the need for such a career closet, saying, “We have a unique student population at ACTC. Some of our students work full-time jobs while attending college, some have children at home, and some are juggling multiple hats. Sometimes they are strapped for cash. Sometimes they receive unexpected calls for interview opportunities, and their schedules only permit them to shop for interview clothing in the college. They want to make a good first impression, and they deserve to feel confident during their interview.”

For clothing items to be accepted for donation, they must be without stains, gently used, cleaned or dry cleaned, and smoke free. Clothes that will work best are modern style professional clothing. 

The school started accepting donations earlier this month, and is accepting donations Mondays and Tuesdays at College Drive in Room 167, as well as Wednesdays and Thursdays at Technology Drive in Office Complex 119.

Members of the community can also support the Career Closet by donating to the ACTC Foundation by emailing as_foundation@kctcs.edu.

In addition to the Career Closet at Ashland Community and Technical College that welcomes alumni and students, the school’s community partners who have provided interview attire in the past will continue to offer their services as well.

The ACTC Career Closet is the school’s biggest initiative to help its students and alumni attain the resources they need to ensure their success as they transition into their new career paths.

Another organization providing aid in the community is the Pathfinder Pantry, which is working to combat food insecurity among students. ACTC students can visit the pantry monthly to receive non-perishable and other food items.

Vanderpool noted the importance of the closet in fighting stigma, saying, “I look forward to opening the Career Closet to students and alumni of ACTC in hopes of normalizing the experience of needing some help, regardless of the reason.”

More information about the Career Closet can be attained by contacting Career Services by email at as_careerservices@kctcs.edu. 

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