Bluegrass Community and Technical College Awarded $427,622 Grant to Support Recovery-to-Work Program

Published on Apr 28, 2026

Lexington, KY — Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) has been awarded a $427,622 grant from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC) to support its Recovery-to-Work Program. This two-year award will expand opportunities for individuals in opioid recovery across central Kentucky by removing financial barriers and providing pathways to sustainable, high-demand careers.

The Recovery-to-Work Program is designed to fully fund workforce training in high-demand fields while also creating opportunities for participants to earn billable peer support credentials. By integrating trade and technical education with peer specialist credentialing, the program offers a comprehensive approach to workforce reentry and long-term recovery success.

“This investment from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission is transformative for the individuals and communities we serve,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, President and CEO of BCTC. “By removing financial barriers and connecting recovery to meaningful career pathways, this program empowers individuals to rebuild their lives while strengthening Kentucky’s workforce. We are proud to be part of a solution that addresses both recovery and economic mobility.”

The principal investigator for the grant, Dr. Michael Chambers, emphasized the program’s dual impact on recovery and workforce development.

“Our Recovery-to-Work Program is intentionally designed to meet people where they are and provide a clear pathway forward,” said Dr. Chambers. “By combining technical training with peer support certification, we are not only preparing individuals for employment but also equipping them to support others in recovery. This creates a powerful cycle of impact that benefits individuals, families, and communities.”

Since 2023, KYOAAC has awarded 189 grants to 130 organizations across the Commonwealth. The Commission was established through the unanimous passage of House Bill 427 during the 2022 Kentucky General Assembly and is governed by KRS 15.291. Its mission is to administer Kentucky’s share of funds from legal settlements with companies found to have contributed to the opioid crisis, directing those resources toward prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

KYOAAC grants are available to registered entities in good standing with the Kentucky Secretary of State, including nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and local government agencies.

Through this funding, BCTC continues its commitment to supporting student success, strengthening the regional workforce, and addressing critical public health challenges in Kentucky.

For more information regarding the Recovery-to-Work program and the grant, please contact Dr. Michael Chambers at michael.chambers@kctcs.edu.