SKYCTC student Alex Smith selected for COE Future Leaders Summit

Bowling Green, KY – April 11, 2025 – Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) proudly announces that Alex Smith, a standout member of the college’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program, has been selected to participate in the prestigious Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Future Leaders Summit. The event will take place in Washington, D.C., and will be hosted at American University.

Smith expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity:

“Personally, it’s very validating,” said Smith. “I knew when I first came to SKYCTC that I was looking for an opportunity to grow and inspire others around me. Being selected to attend this COE summit not only helps me further develop my leadership skills, but it also helps me network with other driven students around the nation who share my passion for advocacy and service.”

In addition to leadership growth, Smith sees this summit as a powerful academic opportunity:

“Academically, this is an experience where I can engage with scholars, policymakers, and leaders who shape the future of academic excellence. As someone looking to transfer to a four-year university and pursue a law degree, this kind of summit gives me a chance to meet with policymakers alongside other respected student leaders. It’s also my first time visiting Washington, D.C., which makes this experience even more exciting.”

Smith emphasized the broader impact of the experience:

“I’m excited about engaging with national leaders and policymakers and eager to experience how policies are developed and implemented at the national level. But mostly, the chance to travel to Washington, D.C., and hang out with other student leaders—to share ideas and experiences—I think that is what is going to be extremely beneficial for me during my time here at SKY and beyond.”

Acknowledging those who have supported his journey, Smith credited the TRIO SSS program and Veterans Upward Bound of WKU:

“As some might know—TRIO and SSS are partnered with Veterans Upward Bound of WKU. Without Marc Hamilton and the supportive staff there getting me prepared and getting me in the right headspace to tackle college for the first time, I might not even be here. But the incredible staff members here immediately embraced me once I came to campus. It’s such a positive, supportive environment in that office.”

“They know how deeply I am committed to self-development and improving myself while I’m here at SKY. So, whenever scholarship opportunities come up or when opportunities arise to develop myself, they know exactly who to come to. They have seen how enthusiastically involved I am here on campus, and that passion for loving what I do here has translated over to these great opportunities with TRIO.”

SKYCTC congratulates Alex on this incredible achievement and looks forward to seeing all that he will accomplish as a future leader.