I AM

I AM is a program designed to empower students, academically, personally and professionally. I AM will increase, encourage and support educational success. As an empowerment program designed to address the needs of college students, I AM will also strive to help students develop valuable leadership skills within Bluegrass Community & Technical College. This retention program will foster a supportive environment for students to learn and grow as active members of the academic community and as individuals through education.

Mission Statement

I AM is committed to empowering students to improve their quality of life by enhancing leadership, educational and economic opportunities for personal and professional growth. I AM strives to improve chances for academic success emphasizing the importance of values, ethics, and respect to become self-sufficient citizens in our communities.

Vision Statement

Bluegrass Community and Technical College will utilize its infrastructure to serve as a vehicle to motivate and empower I AM participants to become leaders to fold within the breadth and depth of the communities in which they live.

Our Goals

1. To empower students to complete credentials
2. To serve as a safe haven
3. To build strong relationships with Faculty, Staff, and Community leaders
4. To increase participation in the program to enhance educational, personal, and professional growth
5. To develop community partnerships for workforce opportunities
6. To increase the postsecondary retention rate
7. To close the achievement gaps by aligning efforts across the College
8. To create a learning community that promotes engagement among students as well as with the institution

Program Requirements

• Students must be enrolled at BCTC as a credential seeking student.
• To be considered an active participant students must attend monthly sessions.
• Students will engage in a shared-learning experience free of judgement and disrespect.

Real Talk Sessions

Real Talk Sessions cover various topics related to students' academic, personal and professional growth. Topics are designed to spark meaningful conversations where individuals share experiences without fear of judgement.

I AM Real Talk Sessions will be conducted in-person on the Newtown Campus in the Classroom Building, Room 105-107.

Fall 2025 Dates for Real Talk Sessions

• September 9, 2025
• September 23, 2025
• October 7, 2025
• October 21, 2025
• November 11, 2025
• November 18, 2025

"I AM bold in vision, grounded in purpose, and unstoppable in pursuit.
I AM the author of my future, the voice of change, and the power within.
I AM rising, ready, and real — I AM everything I choose to become."

Contact

Kauai Thurman, M.A.
Director of Student Empowerment and Success
kauai.thurman@kctcs.edu
(859) 246-6471