LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Bluegrass Community and Technical College Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from Bank of America to eliminate financial obstacles for residents seeking careers in high-demand industries.

The funding will fully cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and required materials for eligible students, ensuring participants can complete training without incurring substantial expenses. The initiative targets unemployed, homeless, justice-involved, low-income, and other underserved individuals, connecting them with employers actively hiring in Central Kentucky.

Students will be referred through key community partners, including Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, the Hope Center of Lexington, and Jubilee Jobs of Lexington. Credential programs supported by the grant include Telecommunications Line Installation and Repair—which offers a median annual wage of $60,180 in Central Kentucky with a 92% job placement rate—as well as Welder Helper General, Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy Technician, and Wastewater Processing Attendant positions.

"Bank of America's investment will transform lives across Central Kentucky by supporting individuals who need these opportunities the most but can afford them the least," said BCTC Foundation Executive Director Dr. Erin Tipton.

The grant announcement comes as BCTC continues expanding its workforce development footprint. In January, the college received a $1.14 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education, making it the only Kentucky institution to receive such funding, to develop accelerated credential programs in emergency medical services, commercial driver's licenses, and allied health fields.

Bank of America President for Kentucky John Gardner emphasized the partnership's broader economic impact. "By building career pathways with BCTC and local nonprofits, we can help drive financial prosperity and economic growth for Lexington and the nation," Gardner said.