Community College: Educating the future workforce
Published on Apr 1, 2025
By Dr. Larry Ferguson, ACTC President/CEO
ASHLAND, Ky. – April is Community College Month, a time to celebrate the essential role community colleges play in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to the regions they serve. Community colleges, like ACTC, offer a unique and invaluable opportunity to students who may not have access to the resources or opportunities afforded by traditional four-year universities. By keeping tuition rates affordable and offering flexible learning options, community colleges provide a gateway to higher education for individuals from all walks of life, helping them achieve their academic and career goals.
At ACTC, we understand that education should be accessible to everyone. We offer flexible schedules, including evening and online courses, to support working adults who need to balance their educational pursuits with their personal and professional responsibilities. As our community faces ever-evolving challenges, we remain committed to offering a path forward for individuals looking to enhance their careers or pursue higher education, regardless of their previous background or circumstances. We provide the tools and support our students need to succeed, whether they are pursuing a degree, upskilling, or transitioning to a four-year university. This philosophy drives everything we do at ACTC, ensuring our students have the resources they need to succeed and thrive in their academic journeys.
The importance of community colleges has never been clearer than in today’s rapidly evolving job market. As industries across the globe seek skilled professionals, community colleges stand at the forefront of preparing students for high-demand careers in fields like healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and business. Many of these industries require specialized knowledge and technical certifications, which community colleges are uniquely positioned to provide. Students who complete associate degrees or technical certifications are often better prepared to meet the needs of employers seeking qualified workers.
According to the Community College Research Center, over 80% of community college graduates are employed within six months of graduation. This statistic speaks to the effectiveness of the programs we offer and the quality of education students receive. At ACTC, we’ve worked diligently to build strong partnerships with local industries to ensure our graduates are workforce-ready and can make an immediate impact. We pride ourselves on the relationships we’ve developed with regional businesses and organizations, and we know these connections are a crucial part of our students’ success.
As the need for skilled labor continues to grow, community colleges will remain essential in shaping the future of the workforce and the communities we serve. Higher education is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for career advancement. ACTC is proud to be a part of this vital mission, and we are committed to helping our students reach their full potential—whether through earning a degree, advancing in their current profession, or transitioning to a four-year university.
In a world where education can often seem out of reach for many, community colleges like ACTC are stepping up to provide the support, flexibility, and opportunities needed to ensure that higher education is accessible and impactful. As we celebrate Community College Month this April, we take pride in the role we play in the lives of our students and in the economic growth of our region. We remain dedicated to shaping a brighter future for all.
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Dr. Larry Ferguson is the President of Ashland Community & Technical College, where he has worked for decades to support students and faculty alike in achieving their educational and professional goals.
