Bluegrass Community and Technical College Awarded $1.14 Million Federal Grant to Expand Workforce Credential Pathways

LEXINGTON, KY — Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) has been awarded $1.14 million through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), as part of a nationwide $169 million investment announced this week to strengthen innovation and workforce alignment in higher education.

The grant is part of a new round of FIPSE awards aligned with program priorities established by the U.S. Department of Education in November, including initiatives that expand high-quality, short-term credential programs, enhance teaching and learning through emerging technologies, and build institutional capacity to meet workforce needs. Eighteen of the selected recipients are community colleges or two-year systems, underscoring the critical role these institutions play in workforce development.

BCTC is the sole recipient in Kentucky. Through this award, the college will partner with local healthcare providers, local emergency services, and the Kentucky workforce agency to launch and expand credential pathways in emergency medical services (EMT), commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), and allied health fields. The initiative is designed to serve at least 150 students annually by its fourth year, directly addressing regional workforce shortages in high-demand sectors.

“This award is a tremendous honor for Bluegrass Community and Technical College and for the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, President and CEO of BCTC. “We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to building strong and responsive workforce pathways. This investment affirms the vital role community colleges play in preparing students for in-demand careers while supporting the economic vitality of our state.”

The funding will support the development of accelerated, industry-aligned credential programs, expanded partnerships with employers and public agencies, and enhanced student support to ensure access, completion, and job placement.

“This grant allows us to deepen our collaboration with healthcare and public safety partners while creating clear, efficient pathways into essential careers,” said Dr. Patricio I. Meneses, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health at BCTC. “We plan to use these funds to expand program capacity, strengthen hands-on training, and ensure students earn credentials that lead directly to employment in allied health, emergency services, and related fields. Ultimately, this investment will help meet critical workforce needs while improving access to quality education for our students.”

The FIPSE award further advances BCTC’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that connects learning to meaningful careers and supports Kentucky’s long-term workforce and economic development goals.

To learn more about the grant award for BCTC, please contact Dr. Patricio I. Meneses at patricio.meneses@kctcs.edu or Mara Maybry, Associate Dean of Workforce Solutions at mara.maybry@kctcs.edu.