KCTCS showcases key achievements driving Kentucky’s economic growth and community impact
Published on Apr 7, 2026
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) strengthens Kentucky’s communities and creates opportunities by offering pathways to higher education and workforce readiness that prepare skilled talent for high-wage, in-demand careers across the Commonwealth.
“College is more than a place for education — our colleges are places for transformation,” said Ryan Quarles, KCTCS president. “Each day, students who may never have considered college, or who may have thought obtaining a higher education credential wasn’t a possibility, find a future at KCTCS. We’re committed to strengthening and aligning our academic and workforce training programs, deepening our partnerships, and finding new ways to support every student’s success.”
April is Community College Month and KCTCS will celebrate its 110,000 students from all of Kentucky’s 120 counties and its 16 colleges all month long.
The month was kicked off with the annual KCTCS Going Pro Signing Event and will continue with Dual Credit week on April 13-17 and KCTCS Giving Day on April 22.
“I’m proud of our shared commitment to learning, opportunity, community, and the future of Kentucky’s workforce,” Quarles said. “Each time I visit one of our Kentucky campuses and talk to our students, I am reminded of why we do what we do.”
Powering Kentucky’s future as the No. 1 community college in the nation to award credentials per capita, approximately three-fourths of KCTCS graduates enter the workforce debt-free. Made possible by various initiatives, including the system’s ability to provide the lowest tuition rate in Kentucky, nearly half the cost of a four-year university, Quarles said KCTCS staff accomplish this by going above and beyond to meet students where they are, so they don’t have to worry about debt upon graduation.
“Students face obstacles, but with the help of KCTCS support services, they’re focused on their potential while pursuing their dreams and determined to better their lives,” Quarles said.
For some KCTCS students, learning begins in high school with dual credit courses, which allows students to pursue early college programs tuition-free or at reduced cost. Others take advantage of KCTCS’s earn-and-learn model, with programs like KY FAME, which allow students to work while attending school and earn a competitive wage to help pay off their debt.
Committed to supporting the economic health of Kentucky communities, KCTCS helped over 70,000 Kentuckians receive customized workforce training last year alone and has partnered with local companies across various counties to ensure graduates receive in-depth, customized employee training at a fraction of the cost, resulting in increased job retention, employee productivity, and job satisfaction for more Kentucky workers.
In fact, one out of every 49 jobs in Kentucky are supported by KCTCS campuses and their students, resulting in an annual economic impact of $3.9 billion for the Commonwealth.
“We’re committed to strengthening and aligning our academic and workforce training programs, deepening our partnerships, and finding new ways to support every student’s success,” said Quarles. “At KCTCS, we remain focused on transforming the lives of our students and strengthening the Commonwealth through accessible, affordable, high-quality education and workforce development.”
In 2026, KCTCS celebrates the following Points of Pride:
- More than 110,000 students from all 120 counties enrolled in credit-bearing coursework.
- KCTCS is No. 1 in the nation in credentials awarded per capita by public community colleges.
- 74% of KCTCS students graduate debt free.
- KCTCS educates 61% of Kentucky high school students who are enrolled in dual credit.
- Around 15,000 KCTCS students transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education each year.
- Over 70,000 Kentuckians received customized workforce training in the last year.
