Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College welcomed the Congressional Staff Network on Workforce and Economic Security on the Middlesboro campus recently. These special guests heard from community and business leaders about eastern Kentucky challenges and outlooks for the future.

SKCTC President Dr. Vic Adams, along with several college faculty and staff, had the opportunity to meet with the congressional delegation as they visited campus. Students with the Ready 2 Work, Accelerating Opportunities, and Pathways 2 Promise programs shared testimonials about the struggles they have overcome and the ways in which higher education has changed their lives.

Bell County Judge-Executive Albey Brock addressed the group and shared his outlook for the future of our region. Jeff Whitehead, executive director for Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP), addressed the delegation during a working lunch.

The group made a stop by the site of the Appalachian Wildlife Center where David Ledford, president and CEO, discussed plans for the project. They next toured Portal 31, the underground mine tour in Lynch.

At the Benham Schoolhouse Inn in historic Benham, Kentucky, the group enjoyed further discussion regarding the challenges and outlook for the future of eastern Kentucky during dinner. Facilitated by Dr. Bruce Ayers, president emeritus of SKCTC, panel guests included Dr. Vic Adams, Jeff Whitehead, SOAR Executive Director Jared Arnett and Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley.