Secretary of the Education Workforce Development Cabinet Derrick Ramsey was on hand Tuesday, August 28 to help break ground for construction of the Lake Cumberland Regional College & Workforce Center in Russell County.

The center is being constructed on the grounds of Russell County High School but will be a resource for the entire region. The center is expected to serve 2,215 high school students and 620 adults in all five primary Kentucky Workforce Investment Board sectors — advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, construction trades, and transportation. 

Partnerships with Lindsey Wilson College, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Eastern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University will allow the center to provide associate’s to bachelor’s (or A to B) programs, where students work toward an associate’s degree in high school and enroll in an institution of higher learning to complete a four-year degree. Certification programs will also be offered, and adults will have access to programs in the evening. 

The center will also continue to foster and develop apprenticeship programs with local industries, like one that currently exists with Dr. Schneider Automotive, that offer flexible performance-based credit by allowing students to spend time during the school day receiving on-the-job training.

Also in attendance for the celebration were current and past Russell County school officials, students, local government representatives, area business and civic leaders as well as special guest State Senator Max Wise.