GED Plus student sees success

“All you have to do is set your mind to it, and then do it.” That is advice Vicky Amburgey would give others and what she did herself. She enrolled in the GED Plus program, part of KY Skills U, located at Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC). She is proud of the steps she is taking because she feels she is improving her life.

She appreciates the program because it allowed her to obtain a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate while earning her GED on July 22. “They helped me stay motivated and helped me with anything I needed,” noted Amburgey.

Amburgey’s career goal is to further her education and get a job she enjoys. 

This is her second time enrolling with HCTC. “The first time was in 2000 and I was very young and not quite ready for college at the time,” she admits. This time around she had her best friend and partner Rick Ballou and Joanie Combs from Perry Skills U, to help keep her on track. 

Tiffany Little, GED+ Coordinator and Student Success Coach, applauds Amburgey’s accomplishments. “Vicky came in as an adult learner and she did everything she possibly could in order to successfully complete both her GED and her nurse aide certificate in one semester during a time of extreme uncertainty. Despite the obstacles she faced, she never gave up. She was and is very dedicated to her education and to her future. I look forward to seeing what other accomplishments she achieves in the future!”

Little said GED Plus is helping other students by allowing them the opportunity to complete not only their GED but to also complete a tuition-free college certificate in a high-demand area while receiving one-on-one attention and support from both Skills U and HCTC staff. GED Plus allows students to become more employable while also giving them a head start on continuing their education with one of HCTC’s two-year programs. 

Anyone interested in participating in the GED Plus can contact Little via email at tlittle0045@kctcs.edu or call 606-487-3330.