HCTC hosts Rotary Day, connects approximately 260 high schoolers with opportunities

Published on Sep 16, 2024

Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) hosted Rotary Day for high school juniors, an annual event held in collaboration with the Hazard Rotary Club, on Sept. 13 in the college's First Federal Center Convocation Hall.

Rotary Day provides an opportunity for high school juniors to learn about career opportunities from HCTC faculty members, interact with the college's student support staff and identify potential fields of study for their postsecondary plans. 

Approximately 260 students attended this year's event, representing Buckhorn, Cordia, Hazard Independent, Jackson Independent, Knott County, Leslie County, Owsley County, Perry County Central and Riverside Christian high schools.

The HCTC Promise scholarship, geared toward credential-seeking, first-time college students, including those who have completed dual-credit courses, was among the topics discussed during the event. The scholarship's name derives from HCTC's promise to qualifying students: zero dollars in tuition for their first year of college. 

Students also learned about the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS) program, which provides free tuition for students pursuing credentials or degrees in high-paying, in-demand career fields. Advanced manufacturing, business and information technologies, construction, healthcare, transportation and logistics are among the fields included in this scholarship. 

In addition to learning about HCTC's programs and scholarship opportunities, students also learned about existing partnerships between HCTC and regional four-year institutions through the college's University Center of the Mountains (UCM). For 20 years, the UCM has increased access to bachelor's and master's degrees and select doctoral degrees throughout southeastern Kentucky. 

"On behalf of HCTC, we are grateful for the Hazard Rotary Club's involvement in this noteworthy event," Dr. Jennifer Lindon, HCTC president and chief executive officer, said. "Rotary Day encourages students to live their lives aligned with the club's motto of service above self, contributing meaningfully to their communities. Whether it's in construction, healthcare or any other field, we're preparing professionals who do just that." 

For a full gallery of images from the event, visit the 09.13.2024 Rotary Day Flickr Album.