SKYCTC receives nearly $40,000 United Way funding to expand workforce, educational and reentry programs

Bowling Green, Ky. – Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) has been awarded $39,900 in grant funding from United Way of Southern Kentucky to support workforce development, educational opportunity and reentry initiatives serving residents throughout southcentral Kentucky.

The grants are part of United Way of Southern Kentucky's annual investment of $641,997 in education, health, income and safety net programs across Warren County and over $1 million across the region. The funding period begins July 1, 2026, and continues through June 30, 2027.

"These investments strengthen programs that create life-changing opportunities for individuals and families across our region," said Dr. Michelle Trawick, Chancellor of SKYCTC. "United Way's continued partnership allows us to remove barriers to education, expand workforce training and provide second-chance opportunities that transform lives while strengthening the communities we serve."

SKYCTC received funding for the following programs:

• SKYCTC Foundation – Workforce Solutions CDL Program: $15,000
• SKYCTC Foundation – SKYRISE Road to Reentry: $3,000
• SKYRISE Road to Reentry – Butler County: $1,500
• SKYRISE Road to Reentry – Logan County: $4,500
• SKYRISE Road to Reentry – Simpson County: $2,400
• Upward Bound Math and Science – Logan County: $7,500
• Upward Bound Math and Science – Simpson County: $6,000

The largest award supports SKYCTC's Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program through Workforce Solutions. The funding helps offset tuition costs for students who often do not qualify for traditional financial aid, allowing more individuals to quickly enter one of Kentucky's most in-demand career fields.

"Our CDL program provides an accelerated pathway to a family-sustaining career," said Kim Myers, Dean of Workforce Solutions at SKYCTC. "In just four weeks, students can earn their commercial driver's license and begin careers averaging nearly $60,000 during their first year of employment. This funding makes that opportunity accessible to even more students."

United Way funding will also expand the innovative SKYRISE Road to Reentry program, which empowers vetted county inmates in Butler, Logan and Simpson counties by providing access to online college courses while incarcerated. By equipping participants with educational credentials and workforce skills before release, the program helps reduce recidivism, strengthen career readiness and support successful reintegration into the community.

"TRIO programs are about removing barriers and opening doors," said Heather LaRue, Coordinator of SKYRISE Road to Reentry. "The SKYRISE Road to Reentry program exemplifies that mission by giving individuals an opportunity to rewrite their futures while helping build stronger, safer communities."

"Everyone loves a comeback story, and everyone deserves a second chance," added Dr. Chris George, Director of TRIO Programs and Title III Initiatives at SKYCTC.

Since its launch, the program has demonstrated measurable success, with participants reporting increased confidence, educational achievement and career preparedness. Building on that success, SKYCTC is working to expand the program into additional counties throughout the Barren River Area Development District.

The initiative has also received national recognition for its innovative approach to correctional education, positioning the SKYRISE model as a best practice for TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers across the country.

United Way funding will also support Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS), a federally funded TRIO program that prepares eligible high school students for success in college and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The program provides academic enrichment, college preparation, financial literacy and mentoring to students who are income eligible or potential first-generation college students.

By investing in workforce training, college access and second-chance education, United Way of Southern Kentucky and SKYCTC continue their shared commitment to improving lives and creating stronger communities throughout the region.