Bluegrass Community & Technical College: BCTC Partners With UK And Toyota On Engineering Program

Press release from Bluegrass Community & Technical College:

Jul 27, 2021

Published on Jul 27, 2021

LEXINGTON, KY - Advancements in technology require engineers to solve the world's most complex
problems. This call is being answered thanks to a partnership between Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) and the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky (UK).  Students can now earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and a Bachelor
of Science (BS) in Engineering Technology.  

Students will begin in either the Integrated Engineering Technology or Computer Engineering Technology AAS program at BCTC and continue on to the new UK Department of Engineering Technology
to study Lean Systems Engineering Technology or Computer Engineering Technology to complete their bachelor's degree. These opportunities are made possible in large
part due to a $2.25 million gift from Toyota.

"The demand for increasingly advanced skills in manufacturing requires expanding the
engineering pipeline," Nelson Akafuah, incoming chair of the Department of Engineering
Technology, said. "In the ever-evolving world of manufacturing — where manufacturers
must connect, predict and adapt to transition from developing products to engineering
experiences — a unique skill set in continuous improvement and creative problem-solving
is needed. This new degree path will equip students with those necessary skills." 

Graduates of the new pathways will be trained in the latest technologies and equipped
with the practical skills necessary for thriving in advanced technology industries.

"This exciting educational partnership will go a long way to ensuring more Kentucky
students are prepared to take on the challenges of an advanced global marketplace,"
Tom Buffetta, vice president of production engineering at Toyota, said. "We are thrilled
to continue our long-term partnerships with both UK College of Engineering and Bluegrass
Community and Technical College in this way and look forward to helping equip more
students with the skills and knowledge necessary to have a positive impact on society."

In April, Toyota announced a $1.7 million investment to increase opportunities for underrepresented students and assist them in earning
engineering degrees.

"We're excited to partner with Toyota and UK to provide this opportunity to our students,"
said BCTC Provost Greg Feeney. "Recruiting students of all backgrounds will enrich
our programs and the industry and empower students to establish careers that will
better their lives and communities."

The gift will be used to establish and support the Toyota Engineering Technology Diversity
Scholarship Fund, which will provide annual scholarships for undergraduate students.

"Building a stronger Kentucky will require deliberate and sustainable efforts to provide
equal access to quality education. This program will give more people a chance to
build great careers in fields like engineering," Susan Elkington, president of Toyota
Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), said. "Toyota is committed to providing resources,
time and knowledge to help build stronger communities in which we operate. We're thankful
for great education partners that have the same mission."

Learn more about BCTC's Integrated Engineering Technology and Computer Engineering Technology programs on the BCTC website.

For additional information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

To learn more about the Department of Engineering Technology, you can visit the UK Engineering website.

This press release was produced by Bluegrass Community & Technical College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.