News
Governor announces New Career Transitions Initiative at SCC including tuition discount for displaced workers
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 24, 2009) – Gov. Steve Beshear and Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) President Michael B. McCall announced today a KCTCS Career Transitions initiative designed to provide Kentuckians who have lost their jobs with workforce training in high-growth, high-wage fields.
“The KCTCS Career Transitions program is a key ingredient in our efforts to transform the state’s economy during these challenging economic times,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky’s two-year colleges are perfectly positioned to provide the workers with the skills and training they need to succeed in today’s marketplace.”
The KCTCS year-long initiative is being offered through its statewide system of 16 colleges and features a 50 percent tuition scholarship for up to six credit hours per term (spring, summer and fall) in open enrollment courses along with personalized assistance in navigating the college admissions process. Each KCTCS college will provide displaced Kentucky workers with a coordinator to acclimate them to the campus and its resources. The colleges will also provide: a streamlined admissions process; assistance in filing for state and federal financial aid; and advising and training sessions that maximize the students’ opportunity for success and re-employment. Kentucky residents who have become unemployed and have filed for unemployment benefits since Oct. 1, 2008 are eligible for the program.
“The KCTCS Career Transitions program is part of a workforce competitiveness initiative we have launched to enhance Kentucky’s capacity to meet current and future job needs,” said Dr. McCall. “As the primary provider of workforce training and education in Kentucky, we are working to ensure that our programs and services align with both current and future needs of business and industry.”
Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate for January 2009 climbed to a 22-year high of 8.7 percent from December 2008’s revised 7.6 percent, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The January rate was the highest in Kentucky since the 8.9 percent jobless rate recorded in March 1987.
Somerset Community College student Jeff Buis of Casey County spoke at the press conference. He was a dislocated worker. Buis is currently working toward his Associate Degree to become Physical Therapist Assistant.
Buis said, “On February 25, 2006, I became a displaced worker when Panasonic of North America’s Danville Division transferred its manufacturing operations to Mexico. After working as a line-leader and overseeing 75 employees and a production line, I suddenly found myself unemployed after 9 years of service to the company.”
“Fortunately for me and hundreds of other Kentuckians, the Workforce Investment Act afforded me educational opportunities and hope for the future. During this period of transition, I became aware of the reputation for excellence and many program offerings available through Somerset Community College.” “After meeting with Melody Haynes, case manager for WIA in the Cumberlands Workforce Network office in Russell Springs, I learned that I could receive funding to assist me in obtaining an associate degree through the WIA Program.”
“After careful research and encouragement from family and friends, I applied to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at SCC. It was one of the best decisions in my life. Not only am I receiving an exceptional education, but I have been supported and encouraged to participate in service learning projects and professional development activities related to the profession, including active participation in the American Physical Therapy Association. Dr. Ron Meade, Program Director and Dr. Steve Hammons, Academic Coordinator for Clinical Education, have gone above and beyond to fully support me in my endeavors, as has the college’s administration. I cannot thank Dr. Jo Marshall, President and CEO of SCC, and Dr, Tony Honeycutt, Provost, for their support of the PTA Program and its students. I am deeply humbled by the commitment of both the faculty and the administration at Somerset Community College.”
“Without the WIA program, I would not be standing before you today. I can personally attest to the program’s success and know that it has made a positive impact on Kentucky’s workforce.”
All KCTCS colleges are working with local Workforce Investment Boards and other agencies to inform dislocated workers of the education resources that are available and to coordinate their efforts. Additionally each college has developed specific workforce training programs to meet the specific needs of their local community.
The Career Transition Coordinator for Somerset Community College is Deborah Gaines. She can be contacted by telephone locally at 606-451-6818 or toll free at 877-629-9722, ext. 16818. She can be contact by e-mail at deborah.gaines@kctcs.edu.
Somerset Community College is a comprehensive two-year institution of higher education. SCC has campuses in Somerset and London, centers in Clinton, McCreary, Casey and Russell Counties. The website is www.somerset.kctcs.edu. Call for admission and registration information toll free at 1-877-629-9722.
KCTCS serves the Commonwealth through 16 community and technical college districts that form a seamless system of 62 campuses open or under construction. KCTCS colleges change lives by providing accessible and affordable education and training through academic and technical associate degrees; diploma and certificate programs in occupational fields; pre-baccalaureate education; adult, continuing and developmental education; customized training for business and industry; and distance learning. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu.
