HCTC grant program helps future nurse

Crystal North is on her way to becoming a nurse. She has the confidence to earn a degree because of the assistance provided by the Accelerating Opportunity Grant at Hazard Community and Technical College. Through the grant, she was able to complete the Certified Nurse Assistant program and then completed the Phlebotomy Program.

Crystal dropped out of high school but her emphasis on academics has changed dramatically she made the HCTC s Dean s List during the spring semester. It made my day when I received the letter, saying my grades were high enough to make the list, she said.

At age 35, Crystal has focused her life on raising three children, ages 13, 14, and 17, along with her husband at their home in Busy in Perry County. She depended upon income from low-wage jobs, including at a car wash and fast food restaurants. I m late in life working on my education, but I m glad I m doing it now.

The Appalachian Lifelong Learning Center in Perry County provided assistance to her while she works on her GED, for which she is grateful. Also, Without the Accelerating Opportunity Grant, college would not be possible. I m appreciative of the grant and all the encouragement and help from Lucy Langdon, she noted.

Ms. Langdon, Coordinator of the grant program, noted, Crystal has the determination and commitment to achieve and exceed any goal. I feel honored having such an outstanding student to be part of the HCTC AO program. A couple years down the road, Crystal North will be applying her knowledge and skills working as an RN or better yet, a Physician Assistant.

Crystal encourages others who are low income to get involved with Accelerating Opportunity at HCTC. I used to think I couldn t be a college student, but I m proving myself wrong. I think others should at least give it a try.

Anyone interested in the grant program assistance can contact Ms. Langdon at Lucy.Langdon@kctcs.edu or call (606) 487-3577.