On July 1, 2012, Bowling Green Technical College (BGTC) expanded its Adult Education services to Barren, Metcalfe and Simpson Counties. BGTC has provided Adult Education services in Warren County since 2000.
Providing educational services to adults is a core part of the College’s mission and BGTC is proud to continue this great tradition to the residents of these counties and surrounding areas. Adult education includes instruction in reading, writing, math, English as a second language (ESL), COMPASS refresher, GED preparation, and the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) training.
“Providing GED preparation and literacy classes is important for the community and its citizens,” says BGTC President Dr. Nathan Hodges. “Experts tell us that the vast majority of future jobs will require certain levels of postsecondary education and nearly a million Kentucky adults function at low literacy levels and 18 percent of Kentuckians age 25 and older do not have a high school credential.” According to Hodges, strengthening educational levels is more than a personal issue; It’s an economic development issue. “When a citizenry increases its average educational attainment, industries and job availability thrive, which in turn results in better wages and prosperous lives.”
Each of the four Adult Education Centers will be strategically located in their respective counties to maximize access and visibility. “From our experience in other areas of the state, participation in the program can be a direct reflection of locating the program close to population centers, where transportation is not a hurdle,” according to BGTC Director of Adult Education, Mary Ford. Once relocated, the College will schedule an open house and invite the community to visit with its staff.
The Kentucky Department for Adult Education ( KYAE) and the Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) have partnered with BGTC to fund a new Go2College initiative. The program is designed to encourage GED completers to transition to post-secondary education after GED completion. The program will provide completers with the opportunity to explore posts-secondary education services in their area, meet admissions counselors, discover financial aid opportunities, and learn about exciting new technical career programs that will prepare them for high wage/high demand careers.
Bowling Green Technical College has six Campus locations to serve south central Kentucky; three in Bowling Green, two in Glasgow, and one in Franklin. Their award-winning faculty provides comprehensive educational programs, offering degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The expansion of Adult Education services to Barren, Metcalfe and Simpson Counties will enhance the educational opportunities to the residents in those communities.
BGTC is committed to continuing its partnerships with local school districts, and growing transfer agreements with our local university colleagues, making south central Kentucky a special place to obtain an education.
For more information contact Mary Ford, Director of BGTC Adult Education at 270-901-1017.