Ready to Work program going beyond workforce preparation for ACTC students
Published on Jun 4, 2024
“The Ready to Work program has not just prepared me for the workforce; it has been a pivotal force that has shaped my aspirations and equipped me with the tools to turn them into reality,” said Kacee Alexander, recent graduate of ACTC and the Ready to Work program.
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.
Alexander recently graduated this spring from ACTC with an associate in business administration. In the fall, she will be attending Morehead State University to pursue her bachelor’s degree, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing.
During her time at ACTC, Kacee Alexander was a student worker in the Resource Development office at ACTC. She credits the Ready to Work program for becoming a cornerstone in shaping her academic and professional path.
Ready to Work provided Alexander with professional guidance, a supportive team, and the chance to grow her talents and skills as she helped contribute to organizing two successful fundraisers that raised crucial funds for student scholarships.
“The Ready to Work program has not only equipped me with practical skills but also instilled in me the confidence to navigate the complexities of the professional world,” Alexander shared.
“I am deeply grateful to the Ready to Work program, my mentors, and the entire ACTC community for being unwavering supporters of my educational journey,” she concluded.
RTW at ACTC has served the community for 23 years. Designed to assist low-income parents that are enrolled at a KCTCS institution, a former KCTCS student seeking employment, working with Kentucky Skills U or on a high school diploma or have a barrier to enrolling at KCTCS, such as student debt.
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.
