Big Sandy, others get federal funds for workforce training

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Big Sandy Community and Technical College and two other community colleges are receiving more than $2 million in federal funds for workforce development programs.

The competitive federal grant funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and Delta Regional Authority, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in making the announcement.

Big Sandy Community and Technical College will receive $1,500,000 for capital improvements to support its Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs, including the Community Dental Health Coordinator certificate. The school plans to utilize the latest technology in dental care to train students to address local healthcare needs.

“Big Sandy Community and Technical College is honored to receive this award to create the East Kentucky Oral Health Training Center in Paintsville,” said Dr. Sherry Zylka, president and CEO of Big Sandy Community and Technical College. “It will be a hub for training the region’s oral health professionals in continuing education, updated technology, telehealth and emerging oral health treatment practices. The Center will increase the region’s capacity to provide a reliable pipeline of trained oral health professionals to mitigate the oral health disparities prevalent throughout our communities. Senator McConnell has been very supportive of this project, and we appreciate his leadership.”

Maysville Community and Technical College will receive $401,910 to develop a high-quality training program to support the emerging agriculture technology (AgTech) sector.

“Maysville Community and Technical College is excited to have received this DOL grant and to be working closely with AppHarvest and our other partners to assist with training and to provide quality opportunities for the citizens in our region,” said Russell Ward, Interim President and CEO of Maysville Community and Technical College. “Agricultural technology is a transformative industry for eastern Kentucky. I would like to thank Senator McConnell for his support of this grant, MCTC, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.”

West Kentucky Community and Technical College will receive $277,291 to provide a pipeline of talent toward targeted industries, which require experienced welders, heavy-equipment operators, electrical assistants, diesel mechanics, and inland-waterway mariners.

“The announcement and timing of the Delta Regional grant is welcome news for our region and WKCTC’s role in providing gainful employment and economic prosperity for regional communities. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on access to education, employment and workforce training opportunities. We look forward to working closely with our business and industry partners to maximize workforce readiness and training of all our citizens,” said Dr. Anton Reece, West Kentucky Community and Technical College President. “I would also like to express my deepest appreciation of the leadership and tireless advocacy for the western region by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Congressman James Comer.”