WKCTC awards scholarships on 2nd anniversary of $15 million gift

West Kentucky Community and Technical College marked the second anniversary of a $15 million gift to the college with a second allotment of more than 200 new scholarships and cash donations. 

The second phase of awards totals more than $124,000. In the first phase, allotments of 45, then 55 scholarships and cash awards were distributed annually.

In December 2020, WKCTC received a $15 million MacKenzie Scott National Philanthropic Trust Grant with a focus on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the college and in area communities. Through the grant, the college is working to increase educational opportunities for diverse regional populations and low-income individuals.

WKCTC President Anton Reece said Thursday that the awards focus on aiding students from area technology centers to help them enter the workforce quickly. They also strive to work with regional family resource centers and Paducah Head Start to support parents. 

This year's allotment provides $17,410 to the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce to support for African American and Hispanic small business owner’s chamber engagement, workshops, memberships, and WKCTC’s workforce solutions training. In addition, the college will recognize the efforts of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center.