BCTC Receives $30,000 award from the United Way of the Bluegrass to Strengthen Workforce Pipeline for Direct Support Professionals

Published on Sep 11, 2025

Lexington, KY – Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is proud to announce receiving a $30,000 award from United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) to support the development of a training program that will prepare individuals to serve as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

DSPs provide critical care and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), including personal care, medical monitoring, work-based learning oversight, and healthcare-related tasks. These professionals are essential to ensuring quality care and empowering individuals with IDDs to participate fully in their communities.

With this funding, BCTC will build a specialized training program to prepare students for careers as DSPs. In addition, BCTC will partner with UWBG’s Waypoint Centers to offer onsite training for individuals seeking to transition into the human services field through DSP work.

“BCTC is honored to partner with United Way of the Bluegrass in addressing such a critical workforce need in Central Kentucky,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, BCTC President/CEO. “This investment allows us to expand our efforts in preparing professionals who provide vital support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we are strengthening both families and communities.”

Dr. Erin Tipton, Vice President of Advancement and Workforce Development at BCTC, added: “We are deeply grateful to United Way of the Bluegrass for this award. The need for trained Direct Support Professionals is urgent, and this funding will allow us to create a pipeline of skilled workers who can provide compassionate, high-quality care. By working alongside UWBG and their Waypoint Centers, we will connect more individuals to meaningful careers while helping meet the workforce demands of this vital sector.”

For more than 100 years, United Way of the Bluegrass has been a leader and motivator of change in Central Kentucky, connecting community members to resources that support a thriving life. This award reflects UWBG’s continued commitment to building strong, sustainable solutions for pressing community needs.

For more information regarding Workforce Development and the award contact Dr. Erin Tipton at erin.tipton@kctcs.edu.