Somerset, Big Sandy, Southeast community colleges share federal $$$

SOMERSET, Ky. (WTVQ) – Four community colleges, including three in Eastern Kentucky, will share $5.7 million in federal COVID stimulus relief funds.

The money comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s Supplemental Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education program that was established in the stimulus legislation approved in December 2020.

Kentucky Colleges and Universities already have received more than $430 million from both of these bipartisan COVID-19 relief packages, according to U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, who announced the funding.

The funding announced Thursday will provide:

— Nearly $2.3 million for Somerset Community College

— Nearly $1.3 million for Big Sandy Community and Technical College

— More than $1 million for Hopkinsville Community College

— More than $1 million for Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kentucky’s colleges and universities were forced to take drastic steps to maintain educational continuity and keep their students safe. Kentucky’s institutions of higher education – and especially our community and technical colleges – provide an indispensable launch pad for our state’s future growth and development. The funding announced today will allow these schools to return to normalcy as soon as possible and continue to train Kentucky’s next generation of talent,” McConnell said.

“These efforts have resulted in what is most important to all of us, help for our students as they continue to complete their educational journey during the pandemic. These funds will enable students in Southeast and Central Kentucky who could not continue with college the opportunity to get back on track and become part of a brighter future,” said Dr. Carey W. Castle, President/CEO of Somerset Community College.