BSCTC GEARING UP FOR SPRING SEMESTER
Did you miss out on starting college during the Fall semester? Have you always wanted
to return to college or have you recently lost your job and are seeking a new career?
No matter where you are, you have a place at Big Sandy Community and Technical College
(BSCTC).
The college is currently registering students for the Spring semester, which starts
on January 12, 2015.
With campuses in Prestonsburg, Pikeville, Paintsville and Hager Hill, BSCTC offers
27 programs and more than 200 industry-leading credentials.
Its important that prospective students understand that they can start in the Spring
semester and earn financial aid and other benefits, said Jimmy Wright, dean of student
affairs. Its an exciting time in our region, and the value of a post-secondary credential
is important in earning gainful employment.
Students can apply for admissions online at www.bigsandy.kctcs.edu or at admissions
offices located conveniently on the Prestonsburg, Pikeville and Mayo campuses. Wright
stressed the importance of going through the application process and submitting required
paperwork early in the enrollment process.
By coming in now, you have plenty of time to submit your transcripts, ACT test score,
take the COMPASS test and apply for financial aid, he added. This also allows you
ample time to set up an appointment with an advisor and explore our programs.
Since 2008, more than 21,000 first-generation college students have enrolled at BSCTC.
Additionally, the college has experienced a 140 percent increase in credentials awarded
and a 64 percent surge in degrees conferred.
In an ever-changing world, BSCTC understands that many students seek convenience when
pursuing a degree and juggling the responsibilities of work and family. Students can
take advantage of the convenience of more than 200 classes being offered online by
local faculty.
We understand the importance of distance learning, but we also understand that students
want to feel connected to their instructor, said Wright. By taking one of our online
courses, you enjoy the convenience of online learning with the support and access
of a local instructor.
As a part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), students
can choose between thousands of classes and a variety of programs that are completely
online.
For more information, visit www.bigsandy.kctcs.edu or call 1-855-GO-BSCTC.
Additional Info
Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) offers a variety of programs to assist students with the cost of pursuing a college education.
Heres a breakdown of each program:
Financial Aid
Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov as early in January as possible to increase their chances of receiving the maximum amount of funds available. Unlike Federal aid, State awards are made until funds are depleted for the academic year.
Scholarships
Scholarships in excess of $350,000 are awarded annually through both Big Sandy Community and Technical College and the Big Sandy College Educational Foundation, Inc. For more information, contact Leslie Bays, chair of the scholarship committee, at (606) 886-7391 or email leslie.bays@kctcs.edu.
Ready to Work
Ready to Work is a partnership between BSCTC and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The program provides assistance to low-income parents who qualify for the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP). The program includes providing work-study opportunities for students. The income generated from this does not affect KTAP benefits. For more information, contact Cassandra Crum-Stratton at (606) 889-4723 or email ccrum0003@kctcs.edu or Terry Burchett at (606) 218-1214 or email tburchett0005@kctcs.edu.
Work and Learn
Work and Learn provides assistance to low-income parents who qualify for the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP). The program is for students who are working towards their GED or who already have a high school diploma or GED and need to strengthen some basic skills before entering college. The program includes providing work-study opportunities for students. The income generated from this does not affect KTAP benefits. For more information, contact Cassandra Crum-Stratton at (606) 889-4723 or email ccrum0003@kctcs.edu or Terry Burchett at (606) 218-1214 or email tburchett0005@kctcs.edu.
Accelerating Opportunity Kentucky
Accelerating Opportunity Kentucky (AOKY) is a partnership between Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Kentucky Adult Education and the Kentucky Education and Workforce Cabinet. The program provides a comprehensive fast-track for students to retrain, retool and go to work. Featuring five tracks (welding, computer information technology, electricity, industrial maintenance and allied health), the program aims to provide a quick pathway to a credential in a high-wage, high-demand field and encourage the pursuit of a degree. For more information, contact Christina Lowe at (606) 788-6020 or email clowe0059@kctcs.edu.
Service Member/Veteran Benefits
Service members and veterans are eligible for an array of benefits while participating in approved education or training programs. There are also benefits for certain dependents. To determine eligibility, access the Department of Veteran Affairs website at www.vba.va.gov. Once benefits have been approved, you will receive a certificate of eligibility and then you will need to make an appointment with a counselor at BSCTC. For more information, contact Jeffrey Hicks at (606) 889-4841 or jeffrey.hicks@kctcs.edu; Elizabeth Cole at (606) 218-1215 or Lillian OBryan at (606) 788-2819 or lobryan0001@kctcs.edu.
Other Financial Resources
There are several third-party financial resources available for students. These include Vocational Rehabilitation (http://www.ovr.ky.gov/), Big Sandy Community Action and WIA (http://bsacap.org/) and AmeriCorps (http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/AmeriCorps).
