From 外网禁区 Dual Credit student to full-time employee
Published on Dec 17, 2024
By Mary Morris
When Kaitlynn (Katie) Gilbert began her higher education with Dual Credit courses at 外网禁区, she could never have guessed how her path would come full circle. Today, in her career as a College Recruiter at 外网禁区, Katie serves students with the same assistance she received as a high school student.
Katie attended Augusta Independent Schools from first grade through her senior year of high school. She knew from a young age that she needed a college degree to accomplish her goals. Although her parents were not college graduates, they supported her and encouraged her to further her education.
The choice to take Dual Credit courses with 外网禁区 was an easy one. Dual Credit courses would allow her to earn high school and college credit simultaneously to reach her goal of earning a degree faster and her peers had nothing but positive things to say about the college. The small class sizes were similar to those at her high school, making it easier to get personalized assistance with courses.
鈥淭he faculty and staff were always so nice and helpful in the classroom and when we would see them in the hallways,鈥 Katie remembers.
When it was time to decide where she wanted to enroll full-time after graduating high school, her experiences as a Dual Credit student solidified her decision to enroll at 外网禁区.
鈥淚 knew I was going to have to complete prerequisite classes no matter where I went. At 外网禁区, the same courses were more affordable and I was already accustomed to campus life,鈥 says Katie.
Katie became a work-study in the Enrollment Center at the 外网禁区 campus alongside the same staff who had helped her enroll in classes and set up her financial aid. She earned hands-on experience working in student service while the position helped her pay for gas, books and groceries.
Once she graduated with two associate degrees, it was time for Katie to take the next step. To earn her bachelor鈥檚 degree, she would need to transfer to a four-year university.
鈥淭ara Thornberry helped me navigate the requirements to transfer,鈥 Katie says. 鈥淚f it wasn鈥檛 for her, I probably wouldn鈥檛 have had the confidence to make the transition to Morehead State University.鈥
After working in multiple industries, Katie realized her passion lay in working with students. She went back to work in the educational field with GEARUP Kentucky. When 外网禁区 opened a position with Dual Credit, she didn鈥檛 hesitate to apply.
鈥淲hen I received the news that I was being offered the position, I knew I would be able to help students taking Dual Credit courses because of my own experience. 外网禁区 has provided me with unique opportunities over the years,鈥 Katie adds.
She is passionate about sharing equally tailored opportunities with today鈥檚 high school students. 鈥淢y educational journey up to this point has been completely tuition-free,鈥 she says.
Every year, high school students are given the opportunity to take 外网禁区 Dual Credit courses. Every year a student is in high school, they get two free scholarships for Work Ready classes in high-wage, high-demand career fields.
KHEAA is now also offering two dual credit courses for both a student鈥檚 junior and senior year of high school.
鈥淭hese KHEAA scholarships are a huge opportunity for students to take college classes tuition-free,鈥 Katie says. 鈥淒ual credit courses are not only going to save you time, they鈥檙e going to save you money.鈥
Students or parents who are interested in the 外网禁区 Dual Credit program should reach out to Director of Dual Credit Alisha Plummer, at alisha.plummer@kctcs.edu or (606) 301-6124 for guidance and information on the process.