Important Initiatives
Hazard Community and Technical College’s mission is to create a foundation where everyone is given equitable opportunities. HCTC’s high school program, the Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC) program encourages students to explore different cultures while providing educational tools to succeed at the high school and college levels. The MLC meets monthly to discuss college readiness and topical issues; ensuring students are culturally responsible. These sessions/workshops are providing the necessary tools, allowing students to understand the significance of cultures and sub-cultures: awareness and scenario-building help to reduce biases and prejudices, which can greatly impact all communities. Once students graduate from high school, former MLCs are eligible for further leadership and cultural opportunities through the HCTC Student Ambassadors Program.
- If interested in the Multicultural Leadership Council program, contact Darryl “Dee” Parker at Email: dparker0137@kctcs.edu
Application Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in HCTC as a full-time or part-time student
- Maintain a 2.0 or higher to be included in the MCL cohort
Program Requirements:
- MCL are assigned high school mentees
- Each MSLP mentor must attend training sessions
- Must attend fall and spring cultural enrichment trips
MCL Activities and Events
- Community Play, Needle Works
- Active participants in smoking awareness campaign
- Lead student forums
- Hosted mock interviews at high school
The Inner Circle in terms of networking, mentorship, and skill-building:
The HCTC project prioritizes developing leadership qualities among its members and emphasizes the importance of community and a sense of belonging. The Inner Circle provides a platform where individuals can come together and support one another, which fosters collaboration, personal growth, and development. This community provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, skill-building, and knowledge sharing. The emphasis on building a positive community suggests a commitment to creating a beneficial impact on both individual members and society as a whole. By nurturing leadership qualities, the Inner Circle prepares individuals to take on leadership roles and create positive change in various aspects of life. Overall, the Inner Circle provides a supportive and inclusive environment for its members, with a focus on leadership, community, and creating a better future.
Opportunities that the Inner Circle offers for networking, mentorship, and skill-building:
This leadership program focuses on nurturing and developing leadership qualities in its members, particularly young black males. In addition to leadership skills, the program emphasizes the importance of belonging and creating a positive community for future leaders. By providing a platform for individuals to come together and support one another, the Inner Circle has fostered collaboration, growth, and personal development. It offers opportunities for networking, mentorship, skill-building, and sharing knowledge and experiences by having a weekly meeting, life skill learning events, and cultural enrichment trips which include HBCUs, CPE, Muhammad Ali Center, and others. The emphasis on building a better community is a commitment to creating a positive impact not only on individual members but also on society. The Inner Circle focuses on future leaders from a long-term perspective, recognizing the importance of preparing individuals to take on leadership roles and making a difference in various spheres of life. By nurturing leadership qualities, the Inner Circle has contributed to creating a generation of empowered, capable, and strong young black males who can address challenges, drive positive change, and be leaders for following generations.
The Inner Circle program is a valuable resource that helps young black males develop their leadership skills and reach their full potential. The program guides individuals on how to navigate life and embrace leadership roles, which encourages self-confidence and pride in cultural heritage. The program's focus on post-secondary education is crucial for personal and professional development. By equipping young black males with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed academically, The Inner Circle can contribute to higher graduation rates and better opportunities for the future. Additionally, the program teaches life skills such as resilience and decision-making, which prepares individuals to become effective leaders in various contexts.
Creating a Sense of Belonging in Rural Community Colleges
One in five Americans live in a rural area (2017 Census). Rural Community Colleges, in addition to being in rural areas, serve a different population and have a distinct culture from four-year universities. DEI initiatives in rural community college spaces present very different challenges from both urban areas and four-year universities. Yet much of the research and policy surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion focuses on urban spaces and/or traditional universities. This conference will explore strategies, policies, and barriers to creating a campus wide sense of belonging in rural community colleges, and will include sessions on many aspects of DEIB, including but not limited to race, gender, sexuality, physical ability, neurodivergence, and income level.
