Nearly 150 West Kentucky Community and Technical College Community Scholarship Program freshman students, family, friends and supporters attended the second annual Community Scholarship Program Luncheon in the college’s Emerging Technology Center November 6.
“I look forward to this event because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate successes and accomplishments, and it provides me and our students the chance to say ‘thank you’ to the donors who continue to support this program,” said Lisa Stephenson, CSP coordinator.
Student speaker Karess Hoskins, a 2015 graduate of McCracken County High School and first-generation college student, said that paying for college can be difficult, but receiving a community scholarship makes it possible.
“Thank you to the donors for giving students like me the opportunity to attend college tuition free. To not have to worry about having to pay for college allows us to focus on selecting a major and getting good grades,” said the 18-year-old Hoskins who plans to pursue a career in radiology.
Hoskins’ parents, Kenny and Mary Hoskins, said receiving a community scholarship was the reason their daughter is able to go to college.
“It's so wonderful. Without it (CSP scholarship), we would never have been able to send her,” said Mary Hoskins. Her father agreed. “It’s a blessing. It really helped out a whole lot. I’m really proud of people helping out like this; it will help others too,” he said.
With the support she has received from her family, friends and CSP leaders, Hoskins said she is striving to be a positive influence on others.
“I’m trying to be the best role model to the ones who look up to me. For my nieces and nephews, I want them to know that when things get difficult, I will be there for them, encouraging and supporting them. And they need to know there are other people who are ready to assist them when things get difficult in life,” Hoskins told the audience Friday. “Thank you again to our donors for your commitment to this program, and thanks to our family, our friends and our college family for the help you provide.”
Ashley Wright, WKCTC vice president of institutional advancement, said one of the most rewarding things about the Community Scholarship Program is the continued support of the community. “It’s a commitment to these students that regardless of what their personal, professional aspiration may be, they will not have to put it on hold because of financial barriers. We cannot make that commitment without our donors. We are so grateful.”
The Community Scholarship Program provides scholarship funding for up to 60 credit hours toward a technical certification and/or an associate degree at WKCTC. The Rotary Club of Paducah initiated the idea for the CSP as a public-private partnership with strong participation from the Rotary, the city of Paducah, McCracken County Fiscal Court, partnering high schools, and WKCTC.
The inaugural CSP class began at WKCTC in fall 2014 with 216 students. Many of those students will graduate from the college in May 2015.
For more information about the CSP, contact Lisa Stephenson at (270) 534-3282, lisa.stephenson@kctcs.edu or visit http://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/en/Academics/K12/CSP.aspx
Registration for spring classes is currently underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Spring classes begin January 11.