CCPS-BCTC partnership a ‘game changer’ for students
- Shanda Crosby
- Aug 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Being able to say “Yes” to everyone has changed everything for Bluegrass Community and Technical College. Most important, it’s been a game changer for GRC students.
Thanks to the tremendous partnership between CCPS and BCTC, GRC students aren’t just thinking about college—they’re already earning credits, collecting certifications, and in some cases, graduating high school with an associate’s degree and $40,000 in tuition savings.
Since 2022, dual credit participation has soared, with a 190% increase in fall enrollment and 150% in spring, opening doors for students to pursue programs in nursing, welding, construction, allied health, and more.
A major step forward in expanding access came with the acquisition of 1919 Rolling Hills, the former Amazon facility across from the current BCTC Winchester campus.
With nearly 80,000 square feet, it will enable a doubling of enrollment in BCTC’s Winchester nursing program and removed previous caps on dual credit enrollment due to space constraints.
“We have been able to say ‘Yes’ to every student who qualifies for dual credit,” BCTC President and CEO Dr. Greg Feeney said. “Prior to that, we had to have a cap on it. We just simply did not have the space. ‘Yes’ is our favorite thing to say.”
“This is a game changer for people,” Dr. Feeney continued, referencing not only cost savings but the ripple effects of students staying local and entering the workforce debt-free.
One of the most exciting components of the partnership is the Bluegrass College Academy, a focused pathway allowing students to earn their associate’s degree—before they graduate high school.
“Last year, we had 11 graduates complete that and this coming year, it looks like as long as everyone is successful, we'll have as many as 18,” Dr. Feeney said. This saves the students close to $40,000 by doing this through the partnerships that we have here in the community.”
The college also plans to launch BCTC’s only dedicated workforce training facility in that same building—bringing in students from across the region for advanced manufacturing and industry training programs that align with local economic needs.
“We’re conveniently located in the industrial park, so we already provide a lot of training needs for the companies that are within that industrial park and in the surrounding area,” said Dr. Feeney. “This will allow us to conduct focused workforce training right here.”
At the heart of this diverse collection of good news is the strong collaboration between the college and CCPS. Dr. Feeney didn’t hesitate to highlight the growing partnership.
“We serve over 14 counties, and this school district is just above and beyond in the team that you have,” Dr. Feeney said. “Things were great here before, but they've greatly improved under your leadership, Mr. Howard. We're very grateful to you and your team for what you do.”
Together, CCPS and BCTC are building futures, one “Yes” at a time.
