Pursuing education and overcoming obstacles with ACTC's Ready to Work program

Published on Jun 25, 2024

Students often come to Ashland Community and Technical College looking for opportunities to pursue their education while balancing countless other factors in life. 

Recent ACTC graduate, Brittney Gilbert, was one of those dedicated students, seeking to further her education while simultaneously being able to provide for her family. The Ready to Work program at ACTC helped to make that possible.

“Through Ready to Work, I was placed in a work study position in the Student Support Services department,” Gilbert shared. “I was able to work part time while attending college.”

The Ready to Work (RTW) program at Ashland Community and Technical College gives students the opportunity to pursue an education while obtaining work experiences through services that include work-study opportunities, support services and academic and employment counseling. 

“Ready to Work allowed me to prioritize my schooling and my family, while still being able to provide for my family,” Gilbert continued. “Without the support from Ready to Work and Student Support Services, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” 

Upon graduating this past May, Gilbert recently committed to a year of service through AmeriCorps where she now serves as a College Coach right here at ACTC in the Student Support Services department. 

“I have the pleasure of serving those in need with tutoring and mentoring and guiding them on their college journey,” Gilbert shared.

Gilbert’s future plans include continuing her education in Morehead State University’s social work program and continuing to help others in all that she does. 

RTW offers support for students to balance family, work, and school, potential work study opportunities, financial training workshops, advocacy and mentoring, access to daycare and transportation assistance and employment training skills. 

RTW serves Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, and Lawrence counties. 

RTW is a partnership between the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the KY Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Department for Community Based Services.

To learn more, contact Regina Miller, Ready to Work Program Coordinator, at regina.miller@kctcs.edu or 326-2216.