WKCTC Recognizes 16 additional organizations with Community Connections Services Awards

Paducah, KY (05/06/2021) — West Kentucky Community and Technical College announced $27,000 in additional donations and scholarships at a virtual meeting today as part of The West Kentucky Community and Technical College Guarantee. In its second announcement, the college will provide $11,000 in direct support and $16,000 in possible scholarships funded through a recent $15 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

"Today we concluded round 2 of direct support and WKCTC Guarantee scholarships to regional community organizations driving change, which is consistent with MacKenzie Scott's philanthropic vision," said WKCTC President Anton Reece. "I have said on many occasions that the operative word in our name is 'Community' and we are here to serve and meet the education needs and support the non-academic needs, therefore, I would again congratulate these outstanding non-profit organizations for their commitment and service to diverse and lower-socio economic members of our community."

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, 30 Community Connections Service Awards were given to selected non-profit and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-focused organizations over the past two weeks, with the last 16 donations announced today.

"We see our values of resilience, empowerment, diversity, equity, and inclusion reflected in this initiative," said Lori Brown, a representative of Lotus Children's Advocacy & Sexual Violence Resource Center. The center received $1,000 in direct support and two possible scholarships valued at a total of $1,000.

"It is the vision of Lotus to create a world free of violence and oppression for all. In working toward that vision, we embrace this new dimension of our partnership with the college as an opportunity to draw change in our community by expanding access to life-changing resources."

Dustin Havens of Heartland Equality said he wanted to thank everyone at WKCTC for the $1,000 in direct support the organization received. "The work we do is so crucial as all here," he said in the chat during the virtual teams meeting Thursday. "We are so honored to be able to use this towards equality and we are so thankful for this partnership."

The Interracial Women's Group also received $1,000 in direct support from the college. "We will use this for our upcoming, 'Calling all Colors' program'," said group member Stephanie Choudhury. "We are so grateful."

In addition to Lotus , Heartland Equality and the Interracial Women's Group, other recipients announced Thursday were Child Watch Counseling & Advocacy Center ($1,000 direct support), Paducah Community Kitchen ($1,000 direct support), Family Service Society ($1,000 direct support), Housing Authority of Hickman ($2,000 in scholarships), Massac County Housing Authority($2,000 in scholarships), Housing Authority of Mayfield ($2,000 in scholarships), Housing Authority of Paducah ($2,000 in scholarships), Hotel Metropolitan ($1,000 in direct support), Marcella's Kitchen ($1,000 in direct support), Martha's Vineyard ($1,000 in direct support), McCracken County Community Career Endowment ($5,000 in scholarships), Paducah Cooperative Ministry ($1,000 in direct support) and W.C. Young Community Center ($1,000 in direct support).

"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. More than 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 last week. 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 through academic programs 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 .

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