Allen supports Holy Family students in finding their path at ACTC

June 27, 2023

ASHLAND, Ky. – There is an adage that says it takes a village to raise a child. That has proven especially true in the origin of Holy Family Collegiate High School (HFCHS), a program that allows Holy Family Catholic School students the opportunity to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree at Ashland Community and Technical College.

One of the people that is invaluable to that village is ACTC advisor, Jennifer Allen. 

Allen assists HFCHS students with educational planning, registering for ACTC classes, advising them from start to finish, and is readily available to answer any questions students or their parents have along the way. 

She also regularly communicates with their counselor at Holy Family, Mr. Mark Worthington. 

“This is a unique opportunity for students, as it is more than dual credit classes,” said Allen. “As high school juniors and seniors, they are full-time college students at ACTC, no longer taking high school classes. So directly from high school they can transfer to a university to finish the remainder of a bachelor's degree, or they can enter the workforce, depending on their academic plan. Essentially, it places them two years ahead of where they would be had they not earned the associate degree while in high school through this program.” 

“Together, we are shaping the leaders and professionals of tomorrow,” said Eric Boos, Holy Family Catholic School principal. “We thank Ashland Community and Technical College for being an essential part of our students' success stories. This exceptional opportunity equips our students with invaluable knowledge and skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for higher education and their chosen careers.”

“I enjoy seeing them grow, evolve, and achieve their goals,” Allen added. “Those who transfer find they are more prepared to take on the challenges of college life. Plus, our graduates of Holy Family Collegiate High School often graduate with honors and receive scholarships to universities.” 

Since Allen began working with this program in 2019, twenty-two students have graduated from HFCHS.

“As the parent of a student in the Holy Family Collegiate High School program and a member of Holy Family Church, I am privileged to be part of this program both personally and professionally,” she said.

For more information about the HFCHS program, email jennifer.allen@kctcs.edu.