BSCTC awarded $50,000 Kentucky Coal County College Completion Student Services Grant

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) has been named a recipient of the Kentucky Coal County College Completion Student Services Grant from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

The $50,000 grant will assist students whose parents and/or guardians have been displaced by coal and supporting industries.

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of BSCTC, said the funds will be used to implement an intensive advising, navigation and coaching model that steers students to find their passion, complete and move towards an undergraduate degree or credential.

It is important we provide students and their parents/guardians the necessary support needed to transition from high school to college, said Dr. Stephenson. The task can be daunting, especially if a student is the first in their family to pursue higher education.

Since 2008, BSCTC has served more than 25,000 first generation college students. During that same time, the college has increased the number of degrees and credentials awarded by 160%.

If we truly want to transform our region one student, one opportunity and one hope at a time, we must begin at the home, added Dr. Stephenson. We as college leaders must get off of our campuses and go to the students with a message of transformation. This grant will build the foundation of an exemplary program that will impact lives for generations to come.

For more information on attending BSCTC, contact Billie Jean Cole, director of enrollment management at (606) 889-4808 or email billiejean.cole@kctcs.edu.