EQUITY THROUGH EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP In all, there are over 40 locally supported ECTC scholarship funds. Among them is the Equity Through Education Scholarship, awarded this year to Justin Puentes. A rising sophomore at ECTC, Puentes is well on his way to completing an Associate of Arts, with plans to transfer to the University of Louisville to follow up with a bachelor’s degree in information technology by 2024. The Equity Through Education Scholarship is unique in that it rewards students of diverse ethnic backgrounds who have demonstrated a determination and desire to succeed. In addition, each student submitted an essay explaining how they might increase equity and inclusiveness through their own communities. Recognizing that information technology careers will remain in high demand, Puentes plans to share his knowledge and experience with computers and cyber security to communities in financial need. It can be more difficult for individuals in these communities to obtain opportunity and access to practice and learn such skills. His long-term goals are to attract under-represented minorities who may come from such backgrounds to the information technology field. He chose ECTC due to its close proximity to home. As a full-time student, he appreciates the donors who made this scholarship possible. “College is a major pivot point in the lives of young adults. Students prepare themselves to enter the workforce by building a good work ethic and improving time management,” he said. “I am very grateful for people who understand the importance of education. Thank you for your investment into my future.” To learn more about ECTC scholarships, visit Elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/scholarships. To find out how you can invest in the region’s future through a scholarship fund, visit Elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/giving.
HELPING STUDENTS WHEN LIFE HAPPENS Academic success often depends on a variety of non-academic circumstances, many of which may be outside students’ control. A medical emergency, sudden loss of income, childcare needs, and food insecurity are just a few of the barriers ECTC students have faced. When the pandemic began in the Spring 2020 semester, compassionate, generous people stepped up to help students stay on track to meet their education and career goals.
78