Kentucky Health News Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) has been awarded $1.14 million through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, the only recipient of the award in Kentucky. The award is part of a nationwide $169 million investme nt. The funding will support the development of accelerated, industry-aligned credential programs, expand partnerships with employers and public agencies, and enhance student support to ensure access, completion and job placement. “This investment affirms the vital role community colleges play in preparing students for in-demand careers while supporting the economic vitality of our state, Dr. Greg Feeney, president and CEO of BCTC, said in a news release. The release adds that “18 of the selected recipients are community colleges or two-year systems, underscoring the critical role these institutions play in workforce development.” Through this award, BCTC will partner with local healthcare providers, local emergency services and the Kentucky workforce agency to launch and expand credential pathways in emergency medical services (EMT), commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and allied health fields. The initiative is designed to serve at least 150 students annually by its fourth year, directly addressing regional workforce shortages in high-demand sectors, according to the release. “We plan to use these funds to expand program capacity, strengthen hands-on training and ensure students earn credentials that lead directly to employment in allied health, emergency services and related fields,” Patricio I. Meneses, dean of Nursing and Allied Health at BCTC, said in the release. “Ultimately, this investment will help meet critical workforce needs while improving access to quality education for our students.” The post BCTC awarded federal grant for $1.14 million to expand healthcare workforce, and more appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less