Big Sandy Community & Technical College and SOAR Believe There is a Future in Appalachia

For many decades, Big Sandy Community & Technical College (BSCTC) has provided pathways of promise and prosperity through higher education and career/technical education that has transformed lives and improved the communities we call home.  We want to continue that promise.

 

A new movement, There is a Future, has begun in the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) network.  As a proud SOAR partner, BSCTC supports the affirmation that “Appalachia Kentucky is on the move.” We feel our BSCTC graduates are part of this movement by using their education and skills to restructure the Appalachia economy and make an impact throughout the region.    

 

Why is this campaign so important?  It’s the construction of a new narrative for the region.  That narrative is this:

• Appalachia Kentucky is not vulnerable. We are valuable.

• Appalachia Kentucky is not hopeless. We are hopeful.

• When others say there is no opportunity, you make opportunities.

• When others say there is no hope, you show them hope.

• When others say there is no future, you create it.

 

“BSCTC is proud to offer training and entrepreneurship opportunities to help grow our region,” said Dr. Sherry Zylka, President/CEO. “Our graduates will transform the area we call home with their education and skills. There is a future and they are going to help create it.”

 

BSCTC continues to bring quality educational opportunities and training to the region that help Appalachia compete and thrive in the global economy.  Major construction of the state’s first Advanced Technology Center began early this year at the Pikeville Campus.   Once complete, BSCTC will be able to offer a new Associate of Applied Science degree program with degree track options in Broadband Technician, Broadband Telecommunications Installer and Broadband Design and Applications.  Certificates including Broadband Basic Installer, Broadband Support Technician, Broadband Telecommunications Installer, Broadband Cyber Security Technician and Broadband Technician Specialist will also be offered.

 

BSCTC is also on the forefront of technical training and entrepreneurial enterprises.  As an example, BSCTC is currently training welders for SilverLiner, the newest company to announce a location in the area.  SilverLiner will be manufacturing custom tanker trucks at their facility located in the Pikeville Industrial Park.   BSCTC will also be able to provide skilled technical training for new businesses locating to the area.