Although our service area in northeastern Kentucky has made progress in the last decade we still must overcome significant challenges if we are to remain viable and competitive in the 21st Century Global economy.



Workplace Competency and Adult Literacy - Too many of our workers, young and old alike, lack the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to emerging technologies that keep business and industry competitive in a global economy. Many lack even the basic competencies in reading, math, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making to participate effectively in today's workplace.

For our region to prosper, we must have a well-trained, competent and flexible workforce. In our service area, 45% of our workforce is 'substandard' by today's criteria in literacy skills; nearly 20% of our citizens live below the poverty level. We must combat adult illiteracy as a fundamental barrier to prosperity in our society.

Aging Workforce - Most of the workers available for the next 20 years are already on the job and are struggling to keep pace with the rapid change in technology and work processes. Most of these latter-phase 'baby boomers' are expected to live and work longer than any previous generation in history. This factor, along with the explosive rate of change in technology, will require continuous retraining at greater rates to meet the needs and expectations of business and industry in our changing economy. The need to replace skilled workers as they retire with workers possessing equal or greater skills is a challenge we must face.

Educational Attainment - Nearly 70% of the new jobs created over the next decade will require some type of post-secondary education and training. The 2000 census reveals that only 16.5% of our citizens 18 through 64 years of age have completed an associate or higher college degree. This means that 83% of our population of working age adults lack the post-secondary education and training needed to succeed in 70% of the jobs of the future. The census also reveals that 23% of the adults in our service area whose age is between 18 and 64 did not successfully complete high school.



Access to Education - In today's world, access to education includes access to technology. Those of our citizens who need education the most have virtually insurmountable barriers that prevent them from attending college. Barriers to access include problems with needed child care, financial aid, difficulties in family support structure, and inadequate or nonexistent transportation. In addition, these citizens need access to computers in order to allow them to bridge the technology divide that exists today.



Math and Science Learning - Math and science skills are integral to today's job requirements. Although our region's math and science test scores for K-12 students have improved, they are not at an acceptable level compared to national scores.

State Funding & Enrollment - As a 'state-assisted' institution, funding is provided for the basic operations for ACTC. However, to provide the academic opportunities and programs that will make ACTC exceptional in meeting the needs of our students, our employees and our community, funding from the private sector is mandatory. Since 2000, our state funding has been cut 16.8% while our enrollment has increased 39.3%.