NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
Date: February 9, 2005
Contact: Jackie Bondurant, (859) 256-3219, jackie.bondurant@kctcs.edu
Terri Giltner, (859) 256-3186, terri.giltner@kctcs.edu
KCTCS leads the state in workforce training/readiness
President's vision is already a reality in Kentucky
VERSAILLES, Ky. (February 9, 2005) - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is poised to take the lead in meeting the education challenges outlined by President Bush in his State of the Union address.
"Now we must demand better results from our high schools, so every high school diploma is a ticket to success," said President Bush. "We will help an additional 200,000 workers to get training for a better career by reforming our job training system and strengthening America's community colleges."
Since its creation in 1997, KCTCS has become the number one provider of postsecondary education in the state and the leading trainer of Kentucky's workforce. In fall 2004, KCTCS enrolled:
81,990 students in classes that lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree at the system's 16 colleges.
14,927 high school students in credit classes at KCTCS colleges.
30,994 Kentuckians in workforce training courses that upgrade skills and provide short-term customized training for business and industry.
"Each of our colleges is dedicated to preparing Kentuckians of all ages for a successful career in the workforce and to providing the business community with skilled workers," said KCTCS President Michael B. McCall.
KCTCS has been recognized as a major partner with area high schools and middle schools for providing opportunities for dual-credit, work-for-credit, and career explorations that help students identify their individual talents, experience academic success, and become better prepared for the workplace.
"Our dual-credit programs give high school students the opportunity to enter college having successfully completed one or more college classes," McCall said. "This bridge program builds confidence and greatly improves student success in college and in the workforce."
The Discover College, a nationally recognized dual-credit program at Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC), gives students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. Over 1,300 high school students currently are enrolled in credit courses taught on high school and OCTC campuses.
KCTCS also partners with Kentucky employers to develop training programs that provide workers with the skills needed to succeed in today's global economy. Examples of these partnerships include:
The KCTCS Cisco Networking Academy program enables full-time employees to receive quick, comprehensive training that balances a required, specific curriculum with a flexible schedule.
The Ford Assembly Plant in Louisville receives customized training through the KCTCS Center of Excellence in Automotive Manufacturing and Jefferson Community and Technical College.
A 17-year partnership between Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown and Central Kentucky Technical College provides skills training for Toyota workers.
A partnership between Kimberly-Clark, a state-of-the-art paper production company, and Owensboro Community and Technical College minimizes loss of production time by creating a flexible training schedule custom-fit to company specifications.
Maysville Community and Technical College and Mitsubishi Electric have created a training program that includes evaluation and development of skills, education on new technology and a hands-on approach to improving on-the-job procedures.
Through a partnership with Citigroup, Gateway Community and Technical College provides on-site training that has decreased the loss of production time as well as travel expenses.
UPS, Jefferson Community and Technical College, and the University of Louisville have developed a partnership program that allows students to work part-time in UPS Louisville operations in exchange for a free education.
KCTCS is changing the lives of Kentuckians by providing affordable and accessible postsecondary education at 16 community and technical colleges on 65 campuses throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.