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WKCTC Builds Community Connections with Area Organizations Thanks to Grant

Paducah, KY (04/29/2021) — United Way of Paducah- McCracken County CEO Betsy Burkeen looked for the best way to describe being one of 14 area organizations who learned at a virtual meeting today they would receive a monetary donation and scholarships as part of The West Kentucky Community and Technical College Guarantee. The first of two planned announcements would provide $16,500 in direct support and $48,500 in possible scholarships funded through a recent $15 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

"It's encouraging to me," Burkeen said Thursday after hearing that her organization would receive a $2,500 donation and six scholarships worth $3,000. "You didn't have to do any of this. You didn't have to gift on, but you looked back to the original donor, Ms. MacKenzie Scott, and said 'how can we honor her gift.'"

Burkeen, a WKCTC graduate, said it was encouraging to her to see the college paying forward on its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. "I find great pride and honor that we have this kind of a college here with this kind of service and leadership that can teach our students in the books but can also teach them through integrity and honor, and through loving one and another as well. That's to me what this gift has done, and so I just thank you," she said.

The Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club of Paducah will receive a $2,500 donation and 30 scholarships worth $15,000. Edward Smith, the club's unit director, said the college's donation will help the club to recover from issues a result of COVID-19. "It will provide more stability as far as education and support to families in need," Smith said. "It also helps with the kids individually with after-school programs, with more supplies and more activities and to help the club to be able to function as a whole."

In December 2020, WKCTC received a $15 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, with a focus on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the college and in area communities. Through specific initiatives and supports structured as The WKCTC Guarantee: Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the college is working to increase educational opportunities for diverse populations, low-income individuals, and others who have faced barriers to education, and to enhance collaborations with community organizations who serve vulnerable populations.

As part of The WKCTC Guarantee initiative, nearly 30 Community Connections Service Awards will be presented to selected non-profit and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-focused organizations in the coming weeks, with the first 14 donations announced today.

"WKCTC recognizes the very important work that the community organizations we are honoring today do every day," said Dr. Anton Reece, WKCTC president. "We developed The WKCTC Guarantee Community Connections Service Award to recognize these organizations and to partner with them in expanding opportunities for education."

In addition to the Oscar Cross Club and United Way of Paducah, other recipients announced Thursday were the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Hispanic Ministries and Outreach, Merryman House Domestic Violence Center, Alexander-Pulaski Branch NAACP, Mayfield Graves County Branch - NAACP, Paducah-McCracken County NAACP, United Way - Mayfield/Graves County, and West Kentucky Alumni Association.

Dr. Reece said each organization recognized Thursday would receive a check as direct support to assist in their work. The donation checks range from $500 to $2,500 per organization. The second group of recipients will be announced during a second presentation online via Microsoft Teams at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 6th.

"The work of these organizations is in keeping with MacKenzie Scott's vision of assisting under-represented minorities, low-income individuals, and others facing barriers to education," Dr. Reece said. "The WKCTC Guarantee reflects our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion not only through these direct one-time donations, but also through an allotment of WKCTC Guarantee Scholarships."

Established for diverse and low-income students, the WKCTC Guarantee Scholarship will pay all tuition and mandatory fees remaining after other grants and scholarships are applied or provide funding for additional needs such as books and supplies, up to $500 for each eligible student. Organizations allotted WKCTC Guarantee Scholarships through a Community Connections award will be able to select recipients affiliated with or recommended by their organization to receive a scholarship. A total of 120 scholarships have been committed through WKCTC Guarantee Community Connections Awards, ranging from two to 30 per organization, with Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club receiving the largest allotment of 30. Students provided a WKCTC Guarantee Scholarship will be required to be admitted and enroll in classes at WKCTC and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

WKCTC serves about 8,500 students and workforce training on an annual basis. For more information about The WKCTC Guarantee, visit the college's website at https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/about/wkctc-guarantee/index.aspx .

Media Attachments

(left to right, front row)WKCTC Anton Reece, McNabb Elementary student Kemarea Payton, Clark Elementary student Gabby Holloway, McNabb Elementary student Lucas Waters, Clark Elementary student Paul Ivanikoff and Edward Smith, club unit director. Helene Ervin, the club's executive administrative assistant is in the back.

(Left to right) Lee Emmons, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and the Paducah Junior College Foundation executive director, Betsy Burkeen, CEO of United Way of Paducah-McCracken County, and WKCTC President Anton Reece

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