The Clark County Community Education Program Advisory Council held its bi-monthly meeting Sept. 21 at Central Bank. 

Community Education Director Cora Heffner introduced new youth member, Sophie Duncan, a sophomore at George Rogers Clark High School.

It was noted that Heffner received a letter from Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt in response to the annual report, and in appreciation of Clark County Community Education’s mission and services.

Heffner discussed the four focus groups that were held. The summary had previously been emailed to members and was reported on in The Winchester Sun. 

She also reported that Clark County was recertified as a Work Ready Community, this time for three years (previous certification was for two years).  Eight School-To-Careers mini-grants were awarded to three schools. 

The Candidates Forum for the general election will be Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Extension Office.  Offices include Winchester City Commission, two judgeships, state and federal representatives, and Clark County Board of Education District 2 (Districts 3 and 5 are uncontested). 

The College & Career Fair will be Nov. 18 from 9  a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at GRC. Registration packets are available at Community Education, by calling 745-3946 or clark.comm.ed@gmail.com.

Also noted is a donation being made by Catalent to Project Lead the Way at GRC. Teacher Sarah Brown is pleased to have the incubator, glassware and other equipment plus training provided to students on proper use.

Bruce Manley with Bluegrass Community & Technical College reported they are partnering with Clark Regional Medical Center for medical assistant program scholarships. They are also offering a 16-week certificate welding class with scholarships available. The Adult Education Center is now located at the BCTC campus in Winchester.  BCTC is recruiting a family studies adjunct instructor with a master’s degree.

Jeff Lewis said Parks & Recreation is recruiting lifeguards. They are partnering for the first ever triathlon in Clark County on Oct. 1. All money goes to the bicycle rodeo, which gives away bikes. Parks & Recreation will host its annual haunted swamp next month.

Mike Kindred, principal at the Area Technology Center, announced they have been selected to apply for a grant that will provide upgrades for industrial maintenance, welding and hospital beds. They are seeking a full-time carpentry teacher.  They are partnering with Leggett & Platt to work with younger students to train and to acquire necessary soft skills.

Lacee Duncan, youth member, reported that students participated in a mock disaster at CRMC.  Next year they hope to get more students and parents involved. There was much discussion throughout the meeting about the best ways to reach younger people.

Todd Denham with the Industrial Authority said there are many jobs available in the county. Seven employers in the industrial park are expanding and there will be four new businesses soon.

Denise Jones with the KY Career Center asked everyone to participate in Shop & Share at Kroger on Oct. 1. Purchase extra food and donate to victims of domestic abuse.

In addition to Heffner, Denham, Kindred, Lewis, Manley, Whitman and Jones, also in attendance were Cindy Banks, Patricia Baughman, Dolly Hollan, Kirsten Petrey, Lacee Duncan, Sophie Duncan, Greg Yates and Community Education assistant Janice Innocenzi.

The next meeting will be held on Nov. 16 at noon at Central Bank.

All meetings are open to the public.