Bank of America Awards $50,000 Grant to Bluegrass Community and Technical College Foundation to Advance Workforce Development in Central Kentucky

Published on Jul 9, 2026

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – The Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from Bank of America to support a transformative workforce development initiative aimed at removing financial barriers for Kentuckians seeking high-demand, high-wage careers. 

This funding will fully cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and required materials for eligible students, ensuring participants can complete training programs without incurring prohibitive expenses. Students will be referred through key community partners, including Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, the Hope Center of Lexington, and Jubilee Jobs of Lexington.

The initiative targets unemployed, homeless, justice-involved, low-income, and other underserved individuals, equipping them with the skills and credentials needed to secure meaningful employment in high-demand industries.

Training opportunities supported by the grant include:

• Construction Technology (Carpentry): Median annual wage of $50,860 in Central Kentucky with an 83% immediate job placement rate. Funding will support Basic Carpenter credential certifications.
• Computer User Support Specialists: Average annual wage of $51,686 in Kentucky with an 82% job placement rate. Programs include A+ Prep, Computer Tech Basic, and Computer Technician credentials.
• Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A): Median annual wage of $55,590. Funding will support tuition for students pursuing CDL-A Tractor Trailer certification.
  Telecommunications Line Installation and Repair: Median annual wage of $60,180 in Central Kentucky with a 92% job placement rate. Participants will earn Voice and Data Wiring Technician credentials.

Additional short-term credential programs supported by the grant include Welder Helper General, Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy Technician, Wastewater Processing Attendant, and more.

“Bank of America’s investment will transform lives across Central Kentucky by supporting individuals who need these opportunities the most but can afford them the least,” said BCTC Foundation Executive Director, Dr. Erin Tipton.

“Our investments and hands-on involvement in workforce development support both our region’s employers who need skilled workers and the next generation of talent,” said John Gardner, President, Bank of America Kentucky. “By building career pathways with BCTC and local nonprofits, we can help drive financial prosperity and economic growth for Lexington and the nation.”

“This generous support from Bank of America allows us to remove one of the biggest barriers to education—cost—while directly connecting our students to meaningful, high-demand careers,” said Dr. Greg Feeney. “Through this partnership, we are not only changing individual lives but also strengthening the workforce and economic vitality of Central Kentucky.”