Changing Workforce Woes of Kentucky Requires Patience and Cooperation

KCTCS part of the solution

by Janett Blythe

Paducah, KY (03/09/2019) — With Kentucky in 42nd place nationally with regard to workforce participation, the solution to improving the Commonwealth's workforce and economy won't come over night, said Dr. Kris Williams, chancellor of the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS).

"If we want to improve Kentucky's economy and quality of life, it's imperative that we change our thinking, our focus, and our work," Dr. Williams told more than 300 people at this month's Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Power in Partnership breakfast, sponsored by West Kentucky Community & Technical College March 7, 2019.

The chamber's monthly breakfast was moved to the Luther Carson Four Rivers Center stage due to the high river level temporarily closing the Julian Carroll Convention Center.

Williams is the chief academic officer for the KCTCS system, providing leadership, service and support for academic affairs, economic/workforce development, institutional research and effectiveness, distance learning initiatives and external collaborative relationships. She joined KCTCS in July 2007 after several years at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Fla.

"As the world of work changes and technology evolves, business and education have to quickly adapt as needed," Williams said, noting that KCTCS is involved with a statewide effort sponsored by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Williams said the Kentucky Business-Education Roundtable has members from business and government along with K-12 and postsecondary education including KCTCS President Jay Box, all serving on the roundtable.

The group has decided to focus on four goals aimed at aligning workforce and education programs in Kentucky with real-life employment opportunities, Williams said, adding that the group's ultimate goal would be to raise per capita income and workforce participation in the Commonwealth. The four goals of a report compiled by the Roundtable and called "Striving to be Top Tier for Talent" are:

1. Invest in pre-school to give kids a solid start.

2. Reinvent high school to make a diploma relevant for the modern economy.

3. Ensure every adult obtains a marketable degree or credential.

4. Engage employers to define needed skills and develop talent and supply chains.

Williams said while the four goals may be ambitious and will not be achieved overnight, collaboration between business leaders and educators can "make Kentucky a better place for people to visit, work and live."

Williams thanked the local community for the collaboration and support already happening in Paducah and western Kentucky with WKCTC. In particular, she praised the Community Scholarship Program that is funded through local business, civic organization and individual donations.

The Community Scholarship Program (CSP) provides scholarship funding for up to 60 credit hours toward a technical certification and/or an associate degree at WKCTC. The Rotary Club of Paducah initiated the idea for the CSP as a public-private partnership with strong participation from the Rotary, the city of Paducah, McCracken County Fiscal Court, partnering high schools, and the college.

Students from all participating Paducah and McCracken County high schools who enroll by October 1 of their high school freshman year and meet the high school performance guidelines are eligible to receive the gap funding scholarship, which will pay the balance of tuition not paid by federal, state, and other scholarship grants for which a student is eligible.

Williams noted that students in the Community Scholarship Program are graduating at nearly the same rate as students at some four-year institutions in Kentucky. "Statistics prove the Community Scholarship Program (CSP) is providing a pathway to success," William said. "CSP students are staying at WKCTC, earning higher GPAs, completing more college credit hours, and completing college credentials at higher rates than others in their respective freshman class."

While touching on a variety of subjects including the recently announced GED Plus program designed to help individuals who don't have a GED earn their GED while also earning a certificate that can place them in a career. She said while tuition for this program is covered through the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, KCTCS is offering an additional $400 scholarship to cover books and equipment for the first 1000 program participants statewide.

"Know someone who would benefit - or want a program graduate to work for you?," Williams asked, "Send them to WKCTC or speak to Dr. Reece today."

For more information about WKCTC, visitwestkentucky.kctcs.edu or call 270-554-9200.

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