Six Kentucky independent colleges and universities have been awarded $235,418 by the Council on Postsecondary Education to hold summer residential programs on campus focused on healthcare-related fields. 

 

The AIKCU member institutions receiving funds for the summer bridge programs are:

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• Bellarmine University, $56,300

• Campbellsville University, $32,600

• Centre College, $28,416

• Midway University, $20,000

• Spalding University, $56,300

• University of Pikeville, $41,802

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AIKCU members received half of the 12 grant awards distributed by CPE. Grants were funded by federal, state, and local fiscal recovery funds to help address Kentucky’s shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, especially in rural areas, by allowing prospective college students to explore healthcare careers while gaining valuable exposure to college life.

 

The summer programs will include hands-on activities, shadowing opportunities, or career workshops through partnerships with area healthcare providers. Postsecondary institutions are encouraged to include underrepresented students, such as low-income or first-generation students, in these programs.

 

“Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities are dedicated to student success and to producing graduates ready to enter the workforce in key areas, like healthcare,” said Mason Dyer, AIKCU president.

 

He added, “We know that summer bridge programs work by providing students the opportunity to jump start their way to positive outcomes, and we’re thankful to CPE for supporting these efforts on AIKCU member campuses.”