About KCTCS: What is KCTCS?
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Back to KCTCS General Information
The Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997, which created KCTCS, represents an ambitious agenda to improve the quality of life of Kentuckians by expanding opportunities provided by the state's two-year public colleges. Kentucky Community and Technical College System comprises 16 colleges with over 65 campuses and other locations open or under construction. This seamless system of higher education allows students to move easily among programs and institutions as they pursue academic and technical degrees and workforce training. KCTCS is making higher education more accessible, more relevant and more responsive to citizen, employer and community needs, with a goal of doubling its enrollment by the year 2020. Enrollment already is exceeding expectations, increasing by more than 58 percent since 1998 with more than 81,000 students enrolled in credit programs this fall. While retaining their unique identities and legacies of service, Kentucky's community and technical colleges are consolidating their functions, programs, and services to more effectively and efficiently meet the needs of students and communities. KCTCS promotes seamless access to postsecondary education through transfer of credits within the system and to four-year colleges and universities. We guarantee that credits earned in the associate in arts and associate in science programs will transfer directly to Kentucky universities and count toward bachelor's degrees. Liberal arts/university transfer is the single most popular program among our students. KCTCS enhances learning opportunities for all Kentuckians through continuing education. From personal improvement to cultural activities, community development programs at KCTCS institutions are tailored to local needs. Through workforce training, continuing education, employee assessments and adult education, KCTCS touches the lives of more than 240,000 additional people a year. KCTCS colleges provide programs that are relevant to the workplace. We assist students in preparing for every one of the 25 hottest jobs in America (as defined by Money magazine) - exciting careers in such varied fields as computers, health care and business. Our colleges move rapidly to add or change academic and technical programs - the Board of Regents has approved more than 1,700 programs in seven years -- to stay relevant to today's economy while positioning Kentucky for a dynamic future. KCTCS views postsecondary education as a crucial resource for economic development and workforce training. KCTCS forges partnerships between colleges and businesses to provide Kentucky workers with the skills they need today, and to help industries and individuals develop the capabilities they will need tomorrow. Through the Kentucky WINS (Workforce Investment Network System) program, KCTCS is providing a winning strategy to secure a stronger future for the Commonwealth. The five initial KY WINS projects created more than 1,200 jobs. Through KCTCS, Kentucky's two-year colleges work together to achieve academic excellence, economic growth and lifelong learning. As KCTCS carries out the improvements envisioned by Governor Paul Patton and the Kentucky General Assembly, the focus is on changing lives, and Kentucky's future, for the better. |