Thomas O. Zawacki

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is the postsecondary education institution in the Commonwealth. KCTCS was created by the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 (House Bill 1). Their 16 colleges and on 67 campuses are deeply rooted in the educational history and tradition of Kentucky. July 1, 2008, marked the 10th anniversary of the unification of Kentucky's postsecondary community colleges and technical institutions, some dating back to the early 1900's. Credentials KCTCS offers certificates (some as short as 6 weeks) and diplomas as well as two-year associate degrees in over 600 credit program offerings. The most popular area of study is the baccalaureate transfer program, which allows a student to earn an associate degree at a KCTCS college and transfer to a four-year Kentucky institution. Focus on Workforce While emphasizing the historical mission to provide general education, KCTCS is expanding its focus on occupational/technical education. In fall 2007, KCTCS colleges provided workforce services to 4,850 businesses and industries and approximately 48,000 employees.