SKYCTC TRIO Programs Awarded National First Gen Forward Grant | SKYCTC

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SKYCTC TRIO Programs Awarded National First Gen Forward Grant

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BOWLING GREEN, KY — Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKYCTC) TRIO Programs have received national recognition at the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Annual Conference, where SKYCTC was named one of only 12 recipients nationwide in its category for the First Gen Forward Grant. The $2,500 award, sponsored by TIAA-CREF, is designed to support initiatives that celebrate and elevate first-generation student awareness.

The funding will support SKYCTC’s upcoming First Gen Celebration in November, an event aimed at building community, increasing visibility, and recognizing the unique contributions of first-generation students on campus.

“As a first-generation college graduate, I am especially proud of SKYCTC’s national recognition through the First Gen Forward Grant," says SKYCTC President Michelle Trawick. “This award affirms our commitment to empowering first-generation students and celebrates the outstanding work of our TRIO Program team.”

The grant proposal, authored by Heather LaRue, with key contributions from Judy Scott, highlights the collaboration and dedication of the TRIO Programs team.

SKYCTC’s selection stands out on several fronts:

  • It was one of only two community colleges nationwide to receive this recognition in its category.
  • Across all three award categories, SKYCTC was one of only two institutions in Kentucky to be honored.
  • SKYCTC was the only institution within the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) to receive this award.

“This recognition underscores SKYCTC’s leadership in supporting first-generation students and reflects the creativity and commitment of our TRIO Programs team,” said T. Chris George, Director of TRIO Programs & Title III Initiatives. “The First Gen Celebration will further strengthen our efforts to foster a sense of belonging and empower first-generation students to thrive.” “When we invest in these students, we’re investing in stronger communities and a more educated workforce,” said Judy Scott Student Services Coordinator for SKY TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

Presented annually by COE and sponsored by TIAA-CREF, the First Gen Forward Grant demonstrates a national commitment to advancing first-generation student success and visibility on college campuses across the country.

About SKYCTC TRIO Programs

TRIO Programs at SKYCTC are federally funded initiatives designed to support students from first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented backgrounds in achieving their educational and career goals. Through programs such as Student Support Services (SSS), Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), and Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS), SKYCTC TRIO provides academic advising, tutoring, financial literacy education, college and career exploration, and other resources that remove barriers to student success.