A new campaign has been launched to promote the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship program, which is designed to boost education and employability among adults interested in certain high-demand field.
The scholarship, which Owensboro Community & Technical College began offering in 2017, offers up to 60 hours of free tuition for anyone who has not yet earned an associate degree.
The scholarship includes 185 credentials in five high-demand sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, business/IT, construction/skilled trades, and transportation.
“We are excited to be able to offer students this resource. Interested students can check out the website or contact our financial aid staff to get help with the process,” said Rebecca Simon, ICT Director of Financial Aid. “If students are unsure of which program they want to pursue, we can refer them to the Pathfinder Den where the success coaches can help them explore all their options.”
Dr. Andrea Borregard, OCTC’s Dean of Students added that the scholarship is like free tuition for those that qualify.
“If you don’t have a college degree, are a citizen of Kentucky and don’t have any prior debt to KHEAA, this scholarship will cover your tuition even if you are not eligible for any other aid,” she said.
OCTC awarded $796,712 in the Work Ready KY Scholarship for the 2019-2020 year. The scholarship has already been awarded to 182 students this fall, for a total of $294,412.00.
Funded by the Kentucky Lottery, courses are available through OCTC and the other 15 colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) as well as Campbellsville University, Eastern Kentucky University, Galen College of Nursing, MedQuest College, Northern Kentucky University, Sullivan University, University of Kentucky, and Western Kentucky University.
The new campaign features a hotline number (833-711-WRKS) that adults can call to receive assistance from college advisors on how to enroll in the program. Other components include special events, paid media and a Work Ready website.
For more information about Work Ready and the campaign visit the website.
