Local Foundations Join to Commit $300,000 to Clark County’s Workforce Future

Published on Oct 22, 2026

Winchester, Ky. – Greater Clark Foundation (GCF) and Clark County Community Foundation (CCCF) are coming together to commit $300,000 to Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) in support of the James A. and Martha R. Brown Regional Workforce Training Center in Winchester.

GCF will provide $200,000 over two years with CCCF providing $100,000 over four years. A portion of the foundations’ commitments will be tied to matching support from business and industry partners and will create an opportunity for others to invest alongside local philanthropy in Clark County’s workforce and economic future.

The center is part of BCTC’s continued expansion in Winchester and will increase access to education and workforce training aligned with the needs of area employers. Plans include advanced manufacturing, industrial maintenance, skilled trades, nursing, and healthcare training which are to be supported by new labs, classrooms, and flexible learning spaces.

“This kind of investment is one that grows stronger through partnership,” said Timothy Johnson, CEO of Greater Clark Foundation. “Our region’s future depends on people having opportunities to build skills and pursue meaningful careers close to home. By working alongside Clark County Community Foundation, BCTC, and local employers, we can help strengthen those opportunities for people across our communities.”

Local workforce data show continued demand for skilled workers across Clark, Estill and Powell counties. A BCTC analysis identified nearly 2,000 recent job postings across healthcare, manufacturing, trades, logistics, and related occupations. Employers have also identified needs for training in areas including welding, industrial maintenance, electrical skills, and healthcare.

“Clark County Community Foundation is here to help people invest in the community they want to see for generations to come,” said Halee Cunningham, Vice President of Development and General Counsel at Blue Grass Community Foundation who manages CCCF operations. “This partnership gives us an opportunity to invest in people today while building capacity that can serve Clark County and the region well into the future. We hope it also encourages others in our business community to see themselves as partners in this work.”

BCTC purchased the former Amazon facility at 1919 Rolling Hills Lane in 2024 as its existing Winchester campus reached capacity. Nursing programs have already begun expanding into the facility with the Regional Workforce Training Center representing the next phase of BCTC’s growth in Winchester. The center is intended to serve Clark County as well as residents and employers throughout the surrounding region.

“The Regional Workforce Training Center is being created around the needs of the communities and employers we serve,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, Chancellor of Bluegrass Community and Technical College. “Partnerships with local philanthropy help us expand access to training that prepares people for high-demand careers while giving employers a stronger pipeline of skilled workers. We are excited about what this investment can make possible for Winchester and the surrounding area in the years ahead.”

The joint commitment builds on broader community investment already supporting the center. The Winchester and Clark County Industrial Development Authority contributed $200,000 during the project’s planning phase, and BCTC continues to develop public and private partnerships to advance the center.

Through their commitment, GCF and CCCF also hope to bring more partners into the effort. Matching funds will encourage additional support from businesses and industries with a stake in Clark County’s workforce thus extending the impact of the philanthropic gifts and building broader community investment in the center’s future.

About Greater Clark Foundation

Greater Clark Foundation is a philanthropic organization serving the Greater Clark region of Kentucky. We work to strengthen the well-being and long-term vitality of Clark, Powell, and Estill counties by investing in people, relationships, and the conditions that help everyone belong and thrive. Guided by our core belief that communities flourish when people are connected, valued, and empowered, we support and invest in collaborative efforts that build trust, expand leadership and opportunity, and nurture a more resilient, inclusive region. Visit www.clarkambition.org for more information.

About Clark County Community Foundation

The Clark County Community Foundation brings people and charitable resources together to strengthen Winchester and Clark County. As an endowed geographic affiliate fund held at Blue Grass Community Foundation, it turns gifts of all sizes into lasting support for local nonprofits and community projects. A local advisory board guides grantmaking to meet community needs and invest in opportunities that enhance quality of life. Learn more at bgcf.org/clark-county.

About Bluegrass Community and Technical College

Bluegrass Community and Technical College serves Central Kentucky through six campuses located within a 30-minute drive of 95% of the region’s residents. Enrolling more than 19,000 students annually, BCTC provides high-quality academic programs, workforce training, and employer partnerships that support more than 2,000 employees each year. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, BCTC is committed to transforming the Bluegrass region—one student, one employer, and one community at a time.

Contact Information

Shelbie Hugle
AVC of Public Relations, Marketing & Admissions
Bluegrass Community & Technical College System
(859)246-6216
(859)447-5304
shelbie.hugle@kctcs.edu
Bluegrass.kctcs.edu
Bluegrass.edu/social