BGCF Awards $450,000 in Grants to Boost Innovative Workforce Pathways for Fayette County Youth  

Blue Grass Community Foundation, with support from the Walton Family Foundation, is proud to announce the recipients of the second round of Accelerating Innovative + Equitable Workforce Pathways Grants. A total of $450,000 has been awarded to two dynamic programs designed to bridge the gap between education and high-wage employment opportunities for Fayette County students in grades 6-12.

Reel Skills to Real Jobs: Training Youth for Kentucky’s Film Industry

Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC) – $225,000

This forward-thinking program brings together Fayette County public high schools, the Lyric Theater, BCTC’s cinematic arts program and LexStudio to prepare local youth for careers in Kentucky’s growing film industry. Students will receive hands-on training, mentoring and support to become skilled film technicians. The program will also fund upgrades to BCTC’s cinematic arts credentials to align with emerging industry needs, while emphasizing project-based learning that fosters creativity, critical thinking and risk-taking. Participants will gain access to local industry leaders for mentorship and job opportunities, helping them transition from “reel skills” to real jobs.

“The film industry in Kentucky is growing, and this grant allows us to give Fayette County students the tools and experiences they need to succeed in this exciting field,” said Dr. Melanie Williamson, BCTC Dean of Innovation. “By connecting students with industry professionals and hands-on learning opportunities, we’re not only developing skills but also opening doors to careers many never thought possible.”

Powered by STEM

YMCA of Central Kentucky – $225,000

In partnership with the University of Kentucky, the YMCA of Central Kentucky will expand STEM education for underserved youth through its Powered by STEM initiative. The program will infuse high-quality STEM instruction into two existing Y programs: Power Scholar Academy (for rising 6-9th graders) and Black Achievers (grades 6-12). Developed and implemented by UK’s Department of Education and STEM faculty, teacher candidates and Fayette County teachers, the expanded curriculum will offer enriching, hands-on STEM experiences that help close education gaps and prepare students for high-demand careers.

“This grant helps us expand critical STEM education to students who need it most,” said Jessica Berry, YMCA of Central Kentucky’s vice president of community impact. “By integrating STEM into our existing youth development programs, we’re equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence to pursue high-wage, high-demand careers.”

“These innovative programs represent the best of what’s possible when schools, nonprofits and businesses come together to invest in our youth,” said Kristen Tidwell, Blue Grass Community Foundation’s director of grants + scholarships. “We’re excited to support these initiatives that will not only prepare Fayette County students for in-demand, high-wage jobs but also address systemic disparities in education and workforce readiness.”

The Accelerating Innovative + Equitable Workforce Pathways Grants are the second part of a two-round funding initiative focused on developing education-to-workforce programs that prioritize equity and opportunity. Grants were awarded through a competitive process and reviewed by an independent, intergenerational, community-based committee. Successful proposals demonstrated a strong commitment to equity, innovation and community impact. They introduced creative approaches to bridging education and workforce gaps, prioritized hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for high-wage jobs, and fostered cross-sector partnerships among schools, nonprofits and businesses. Each project also showed clear potential for long-term sustainability, scalability and measurable results, ensuring a lasting positive impact on Fayette County’s youth and local economy.

Accelerating Workforce Pathways Grants: Round 1

In January of 2024, Jubilee Jobs and the Black Male Working (BMW) Academy were jointly awarded a grant of $500,000 to be dispersed over two years for their new collaborative initiative, “Innovate to Elevate,” a program designed to bridge the educational and professional performance gap prevalent among young men of color. Through innovative workforce development curriculum, VR technology, career simulations and mentorships from leading voices in the Lexington community, the initiative seeks to empower young African American men for successful careers in a 21st-century workforce. Learn more.