National Workforce Development Effort Gains Momentum: Kentucky to Launch Statewide Network of ACT Centers

January 11, 2000

LEXINGTON, KY—As part of a major initiative to improve the quality of Kentucky's workforce, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System today announced it will launch the nation's first statewide network of ACT Centers, delivering state-of-the-art computerized testing and training services to individuals, businesses and organizations.

The ACT Centers will be located initially at four locations established by technical and community colleges in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky. Eventually, the ACT testing and training services will be expanded to all 28 colleges in KCTCS.

Services offered at the ACT Centers will include:

Workplace skills assessments
Continuing education courses covering a broad array of disciplines
Skill-specific training in selected fields
Distance learning with state-of-the-art technology
Computerized education- and career-guidance counseling
Computer-delivered certification and licensure tests for the trades and professions

"Training services provided at the ACT Centers will boost Kentucky's economy by raising the skill levels of our workers," said KCTCS President Michael B. McCall. "That is the mission of our system—to provide education and training to support economic development."

The testing and training centers are being developed in partnership with ACT, Inc., the not-for-profit organization best known for its educational assessment, planning and research services, including the ACT Assessment, the college admissions and placement exam. ACT also provides extensive services for workforce development, and is developing a nationwide system of ACT Centers. ACT expects hundreds of centers to open across the nation during the next few years, providing a vast library of training programs and testing services using computers, the Internet and other technologies aimed at developing the skills of the local workforce in a convenient and cost-effective manner. Kentucky is the first to commit to a statewide network of ACT Centers.

"The state of Kentucky should be commended for its vision and leadership in delivering high-quality education to its workforce," said ACT Senior Vice President Tom Saterfiel. "We believe more states will follow Kentucky's lead as they see the impact this initiative will have on business vitality in Kentucky and as people become qualified for better jobs."

"The ACT Centers will bring a wide library of state-of-the-art training programs to Kentucky communities," said Dr. Keith Bird, Chancellor of KCTCS. "The centers will utilize the Internet and other emerging technologies. This will enhance our colleges' abilities to serve as resources for local businesses and for citizens seeking to improve their careers and achieve their goals."

KCTCS, which comprises 15 technical colleges and 13 community colleges, provides accessible and affordable education and training through academic and technical associate degrees, diploma and certificate programs in occupational fields, pre-baccalaureate education, adult, continuing and developmental education, customized training for business and industry, and distance learning.

The first of Kentucky's ACT Centers will be operational later this year.